UNITED NATIONS NATIONS UNIES Office for the Coordination of Bureau de Coordination des Affaires Humanitarian Affairs Humanitaires
Affected Populations in the Great Lakes Region
(As of 31st January 2003)
P.O. Box 30218 Telephone: +254 2 622 166 Nairobi, Kenya Fax: +254 2 622 632
OCHA Regional Support Office1 – Central and East Africa AFFECTED POPULATIONS SUMMARY
TOTAL AFFECTED IDPs REFUGEES POPULATION CHANGES COUNTRY % July 2002 Dec. 2002 July 2002 Dec.2002 July 2002 Dec. 2002 (In figures)
BURUNDI 387,469 281,052 28,062 40,533 415,531 321,585 -22.61% (-93,946) +15.90% DRC 2,275,000 2,706,993 346,540 331,241 2,621,540 3,038,234 (+416,694)
+9.54% ROC 66,281 81,341 107,800 109,355 174,081 190,696 (+16,615)
-27.08% RWANDA 7,000 N/A 35,840 31,237 42,840 31,237 (-11,603)
+2.54% TANZANIA N/A N/A 506,199 519,373 506,199 519,373 (+13,174)
+28.08% UGANDA 660,373 889,561 188,032 197,082 848,405 1,086,643 (+238,238)
+12.57% TOTAL 3,396,123 3,958,947 1,212,473 1,228,821 4,608,596 5,187,768 (+579,172)
OCHA Regional Support Office2 – Central and East Africa REGIONAL OVERVIEW & HIGHLIGHTS
The information presented in this document represents best estimates of the number of displaced, refugees and vulnerable populations throughout the Great Lakes Region. Sources of the information contained in this document include UN agencies, NGOs, the Red Cross family, central governments and local authorities. Internally displaced people are those who have been forced to move out of their residences and who are living dispersed in the bush, with host families or in other sites. The information is organised by country, location, category and national origin. The total population figures per country are taken from the World Fact Book published by the U.S. Government.
Regional Peace - Are We Getting There?
The Great Lakes region witnessed hitherto unexpected positive developments during the quarter under review. But the overall situation remains precarious, some would aver, even worse. War has continued in the eastern part of the DRC, northern Uganda and in Burundi. However all is not as discouraging as it may seem. The crucibles of the malaise in the region, DRC and Burundi, are showing signs of progress, with several significant agreements between the parties to the conflicts and armed groups in both countries. But the picture is far from clear-cut: the region’s number of affected population has inched upwards by half a million people, fighting has blighted the December All Inclusive Agreement in the DRC, and some key armed groups in Burundi continue to insist on conditions before negotiations can commence even as the country approaches the crucial and delicate changeover in the Transitional National Government leadership, scheduled for May 2003.
In Uganda, humanitarian access to IDPs as well as the security of mainly Sudanese refugees remains issues of concern. Settlement of the conflict has been and continues to be frustrated by lack of clear government policy on the conflict with the twin strategy of simultaneously pursuing peace talks even as it seeks to defeat the Lords Resistance Army by military means.
Refugee movement has been to and fro during the intervening period, with fighting in the Kivu and Orientale provinces of the DRC outpouring refugees into Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi (itself reeling from the effects of continuing conflict). The apparent restoration of a semblance of normalcy in Angola following the killing of perennial rebel Jonas Savimbi in February 2002, and the subsequent cease- fire agreement between the government and the mainstream rebel movement UNITA may finally relieve the DRC of its largest refugee caseload, Angolans.
The withdrawal of foreign troops from the DRC during the period under review initially heightened fears of a vacuum that could lead to widespread disorder and intense conflict as competing local rebel groups and militias sought to establish authority in areas from which occupying forces, particularly the Rwandan army, were withdrawing from. Briefly it looked as though this might come to pass as the Mai Mai miliatiamen battled RCD-Goma units in the Kivu provinces. However, a tense calm prevails in the region with disastrous humanitarian consequences. Thousands of people have been driven into exile and many more internally displaced. In the North and the Northeast, the fighting between various groups has turned North Kivu and parts of Orientale provinces into the worst pockets of humanitarian disaster in the whole of the Great Lakes Region over the past few months.
The withdrawal of foreign forces from the DRC has also re-ignited the peace agenda in both Burundi and the DRC. In these countries, and to an extent in Rwanda as well, a redefinition of strategy brought back
OCHA Regional Support Office3 – Central and East Africa to the fore the Inter Congolese Dialogue, stalled for months earlier in the year, culminating in an all- inclusive Agreement as the year came to a close. It remains to be seen whether the internal parties to the DRC will carry through with the latest in a litany of Accords. The flipside of these developments has not been entirely satisfactory. RCD-Goma and the Rwandan government engaged in the active encouragement of Congolese refugees to return to eastern DRC. 9,500 were repatriated in this manner before the operations were ceased mid-September, and thousands of people were displaced as fighting continued in the Kivus and Orientale provinces.
Human rights continue to be of major concern region wide. An army massacre in Burundi, two mass graves in the DRC and a host of what have now become routine abuses continue to occur in the region. Agreements for the cessation of child-soldier recruitment by fighting outfits continue to be entirely ignored or disregarded. In Orientale, the UN confirmed serious allegations of human rights abuses at the beginning of the year 2003. Cases of cannibalism by the MLC and associated militia and by the Mai Mai have attracted widespread condemnation and are certain to generate further censure from the international community.
With increases in instability in the DRC, Central African Republic and Burundi, many people have fled to Tanzania, whose traditionally hospitable population and government are getting restless and increasingly impatient with the continued stay of hundreds of thousands of refugees and asylum seekers. The change of attitude was remarkable during the period under review, with the Government of Tanzania actively agitating for the establishment of safe havens in Burundi to allow the in excess of 800,000 Burundian refugees to return home. It is an ominous sign of the increasing toll that the conflicts in the region have and continue to impose on the hitherto-thought inexhaustible patience and hospitality of Tanzania and Tanzanians. The repatriation of Rwandan refugees, on the other hand, went well and at the end of 2002, there were only a few left in the country, a pattern the Government is anxious to see replicated in Burundi, despite the ongoing, and even escalation of fighting and consequent insecurity there.
While humanitarian access remains difficult in many parts of the countries in the region, human suffering of the affected populations has been exacerbated by the continuing use of warfare tactics targeting more and more civilians. Fighting in the DRC temporarily displaced 17,000 Sudanese refugees in Aru, northeastern Ituri (DRC) during the reporting period. In Uganda, IDPs and refugees continue to be targeted by the LRA. In a climate of widespread insecurity and access difficulties, as prevailed in most parts of eastern and northeastern DRC during the period under review, aid agencies have found it hard to reach in excess of 1 million IDPs who remained inaccessible by year’s end. Furthermore, the general state of insecurity in many parts of the region has also resulted in intimidation and harassment, including hostage taking of humanitarian personnel, with some being declared persona non grata and others deliberately targeted by combatants.
In November 2002, the UN launched the Consolidated Appeals (CAP) for 2003 in the respective countries - the DRC, Burundi, ROC and Uganda. The total sum of these country appeals is USUS$ 456,722,948. Separately and simultaneously a Regional Consolidated Appeal for the Great Lakes Region, with a total requirement of USUS$ 111 094,859, was launched, to support country efforts and to address the continuing overarching humanitarian needs of the 5,187,768 affected population (IDPs and Refugees) throughout the region. Respectively, the response to the total countries’ Appeals stand at US$9,788,538 while the Regional Appeal is resourced to the tune of US$ 363,156.
OCHA Regional Support Office4 – Central and East Africa Burundi Total Population: 6,874,006
Location Origin Number Comments (December 2002) Bubanza Burundi 4,057 Estimated population in 7 sites Bujumbura Burundi 7,395 Estimated population in 3 sites Mairie Bujumbura Burundi 7,842 Estimated population in 13 sites Rural Bururi Burundi 68,412 Estimated population in 30 sites Cankuzo Burundi 7,816 Estimated population in 5 sites Gitega Burundi 22,050 Estimated population in 17 sites Karuzi Burundi 7,183 Estimated population in 11 sites Kayanza Burundi 19,540 Estimated population in 16 sites Kirundo Burundi 11,746 Estimated population in 18 sites Makamba Burundi 71,170 Estimated population in 48 sites Muramvya Burundi 17,596 Estimated population in 16 sites Muyinga Burundi 9,525 Estimated population in 14 sites Mwaro Burundi 175 Estimated population in 1 sites Ngozi Burundi 19,921 Estimated population in 12 sites Rutana Burundi 5,278 Estimated population in 14 sites Ruyigi Burundi 1,346 Estimated population in 5 sites Total IDPs: 281,052 In 230 sites
Refugees DRC 39,762 Rwanda 765 Tanzania 2 Somalia 4 Total Refugees: 40,533 Increase
Total Affected Population: 321,585 Decrease
IDP Figures are the result of a displacement survey ocarried out in May 2002 by UNFPA. Further IDPs have been temporarily displaced from their homes for short periods of time and are not included above. IDP figures exclude a possible further 100,000 IDPs, and possibly more, dispersed following the closure of some regroupement camps in 2002 and who may not have been able to return to their homes. Refugee figures, provided by UNHCR Burundi, as at December 2002-only 14,435 of the 40, 533 refugees are UNHCR-assisted.
OTHER VULNERABLE GROUPS IN BURUNDI Returnees (facilitated and spontaneous to 52,853 31.12.02) Prison Population 9,300
OCHA Regional Support Office5 – Central and East Africa Children living in prison 199 Children in need of special protection 852,617 (including displaced, UAC, war orphans, AIDS orphans, street children 240,000 Total: 1,154,969
Figures of children in need of special protection are based on UNICEF input to contingency planning (June 2002). Repatriation figures provided by UNHCR
1st of November 2002 marked the first anniversary of the inauguration of the power-sharing Transitional National Government (TNG) of Burundi. On this day, Nelson Mandela, who had helped to facilitate the Burundi Peace Process that led to the eventual signature of the Arusha Peace Agreement in August 2000, stood before the Government in Burundi and announced ‘Today we celebrate a triumph, your country has bled enough. It and its people deserve peace.’ As 2002 drew to a close the country stood, once again, at a critical juncture. The political situation remained fragile, the ceasefire agreements with CNDD-FDD had yet to be implemented, FNL continued to pose a security threat and armed conflict continued, and the humanitarian situation remained of serious concern. In his opening address on 13 January to the 11th Session of the IMC, Ambassador Berhanu Dinka identified three key challenges facing the country: the implementation of the ceasefire, cooperation among all political parties, and economic and financial recovery.
Political Situation Cooperation among all political parties remains essential if Burundi is to move further along the path to peace. The end of the first of two 18-month phases to transition, marked by a ‘handover’ of leadership to a Hutu President, is scheduled to take place in May 2003. This has long been regarded as a critical point for the evolution of Burundi. In the approach to this time there have been some positive developments, including the creation of the National Security Council and the adoption of a draft Truth and Reconciliation Bill during the parliamentary session in August. In recent months there have been some changes in ministerial appointments. The Minister for Energy and Mines was sacked in July 2002, for reasons unannounced, while the Minister of Defence resigned after suffering from chronic ill health. Two new political parties have also been created, the Movement for the Rehabilitation of Citizens (MRC) was formed in November by Colonel Epitace Bayaganakandi and, in December, Mr Deo Ndayishimiye created SONOVI-Remesha (Non-Violent Society Party). In early November, former Burundi President, Jean- Baptiste Bagaza, was placed under house arrest, following a previous search of his residence and the arrest of four fellow PARENA officials. He was accused of a ‘plan to destabilize and even to shed blood’. The PARENA Party was banned for six months. On 3 January 2003, ex-President Bagaza’s house arrest was extended for a further 30 days.
The TNG continues to seek international support and financial contributions for its economic recovery and reconstruction. At a donor roundtable held in Geneva on 28-29 November, it sought USUS$1.2 billion. Although a total of USUS$905 million is reported to have been pledged (which sum includes previous Roundtable pledges) the bulk of the funds have not been disbursed. During this meeting, some donors raised concerns relating to the protection of the IDPs and continuing human rights violations.
OCHA Regional Support Office6 – Central and East Africa Ceasefire Negotiation and Agreement with CNDD-FDD The major achievements of the period under review have been the signature of agreements between the Government and both armed factions of the CNDD-FDD. This followed intense negotiation and, at times, significant pressure from international and regional leaders. On 26 August, a Memorandum of Understanding spelling out an understanding of the points that would be included in a draft ceasefire agreement was signed between the TNG and the smaller CNDD-FDD faction of Jean-Bosco Ndayikengurikye. This followed a further round of ceasefire negotiations which began on 12 August and were facilitated by RSA Deputy President Jacob Zuma in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and which had also included the most active CNDD-FDD faction, that of Pierre Nkurunziza. This latter group, however, continued to express serious reservations on issues fundamental to the negotiations and further talks were scheduled for September. Once again, these broke down over lack of agreement on a preparatory text -‘Declaration of a Commitment to Negotiate’, and resulting discussion over the status of the TNG as a belligerent in the conflict and the role of the army. At the subsequent Summit of Regional Heads of State in Dar es Salaam, 6-7 October, Ndayikengurukiye formally signed a ceasefire agreement with the TNG which will pave the way for its integration into the transitional institutions and structures of the Burundi state. At the same time, Regional leaders issued a 30-day ultimatum to the remaining armed groups to undertake substantive negotiations and reach a ceasefire agreement or face the consequences. It was not, however, clear whether these would include either military action or sanctions and how either might be implemented. Further ceasefire talks were scheduled for late October.
Technical consultations began in Dar-es-Salaam on 21 October. Discussions between President Buyoya and Pierre Nkurunziza took place on 26 October, in advance of the proposed Regional Summit on 7 November. After the talks failed to bring progress, the Summit was delayed to 25 November by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni (Chairman of the Regional Peace Initiative on Burundi). This extended the 30-day deadline. Alleged confusion over the delivery of formal invitations to the resumption of negotiations in Dar es Salaam on 19 November, as well as CNDD-FDD’s request for more time, brought a further delay, however the ceasefire agreement was finally signed between the Nkurunziza faction and the TNG in the early hours of Tuesday 3 December at a Regional Summit in Arusha.
The terms of the Agreement included an initial cessation of hostilities until the end of December 2002, when the ceasefire would come into effect, and the ‘regroupement’ of FDD fighters, who would retain their arms at this stage, into nominated sites. A new national army, composed in equal parts of Hutu and Tutsi at all levels, would be created, integrating former rebel fighters. Remaining forces would then be disarmed and demobilized. On 18 December, the UN Security Council expressed its intention to support the immediate and full implementation of the ceasefire and urged that ways be found to respond positively and urgently to the request for a deployment of the African Mission, as outlined in the Agreement, to monitor the application of the Accord, manage the cantonment camps and the establishment of a joint (Government of Burundi/armed groups) ceasefire commission. For multiple reasons, to date, a UN-mandated force has been ruled out. On 30 December, the Burundi Foreign Minister announced a delay in implementation, citing ‘military and political questions’ and noting that deployment of the African Mission had yet to take place. At the time its composition had yet to be agreed although troops from South Africa, Ethiopia and Mozambique have since pledged to this Mission. It remains unclear when they will become available and whether there are further conditions attached to their deployment. In the meantime, there is concern that a number of clashes on the ground between CNDD-FDD and the Burundi Military, and allegations of continued recruitment by the armed groups
OCHA Regional Support Office7 – Central and East Africa (‘gathering’ members prior to their containment – according to the rebels), may threaten the current truce and undermine the entire ceasefire implementation.
In an attempt to mitigate potential violence as former rebels cease fighting and are no longer able to live ‘by the gun’, EU-funded food was distributed commencing 29 December to some 14,000 ex-fighters. The funding, part of which has been channeled through WFP HQs in Rome, is managed and distributed by the International services arm of the German Government Technical Cooperation (GTZ IS). The modalities of the thrice-weekly distribution were initially discussed in a formal meeting, in Burundi, between all parties. However, the Government of Burundi has since registered some security concerns about the location of distributions and their potential ‘pull factor’ and consequently restricted distributions to Bubanza only. As at Friday 17 January, for reasons unannounced publicly, GTZ suspended their distributions until further notice. Demonstrations, outside the EU by a predominantly Tutsi movement PA-Amasekanya, assert that the food aid amounted to support to ‘genocidal terrorists’.
Ceasefire Negotiation with FNL As the implementation of agreements between the Government and CNDD-FDD proceed, albeit slowly, no such agreement exist with the main faction of FNL. This armed rebellion continues an armed struggle on Burundi soil. While Alain Mugabarabona signed the ceasefire agreement in October on behalf of his faction, it had for some time been very unclear how much, if any, following he had within the forces of FNL or influence on events on the ground. Agathon Rwasa and his representatives had long disputed his purported leadership. While there has been some contact between the mediator and the Rwasa faction, this faction has consistently insisted on non-negotiable preconditions to substantive negotiations. These include direct talks with the army, the return of all Burundi armies to barracks and the disarmament of pro-government militias, as well as the dismantlement of IDP sites. The FNL remained outside the ceasefire agreement signed on 3 December at the 19th Regional Summit. At the conclusion of this Summit, President Museveni declared ‘We are now on the verge of putting sanctions on the Palipehutu-FNL. They will be robust sanctions that will convince them not to cause trouble.’ Even as FNL attacks and clashes with the Burundi army have continued, regional and international leaders still urge the rebel group to come to the negotiating table. Regrettably, an initiative of the G5 group (Tutsi parties signatory to the Arusha Agreement) to meet with FNL political leaders in late December came to nothing when the Burundian army ambushed the FNL delegation to the meeting.
Security The second half of 2002 in Burundi has seen a continuation of fighting, even as ceasefire negotiations have been taking place and the security situation has remained precarious. Banditry, ambushes, theft and looting have all increased in this period and provinces of particular concern include Ruyigi, Muranvya, Gitega, Makamba, Rutana, Bujumbura Mairie, Bujumbura Rural, Kayanza, Bubanza and Mwaro. In July, for example, intense fighting took place in Ruyigi and Makamba, later moving across central Burundi through Rutana and Bururi to affect central provinces of Muramvya, Mwaro and Gitega. Even provinces such as Ngozi and Karuzi, which had been quiet for some years, experienced the conflict. Bujumbura Rural had long been insecure, but at the end of July and in August the suburbs of Bujumbura itself were shelled. In one incident, two South African soldiers from the Protection Force were wounded when 60 mm mortar shells landed in the residence grounds of the Minister of Good Governance in northern Bujumbura. In addition to the widespread fighting, of concern has been the apparent targeting for assassination and abduction of administrative officials and other prominent personalities.
OCHA Regional Support Office8 – Central and East Africa A cessation of hostilities between the CNDD-FDD and the Government came into effect from the signature of the Agreement on 3 December. The security situation however, remains unstable – with widespread reports of clashes between the Military and CNDD-FDD and FNL, including allegations of substantial recruitment campaigns by CNDD-FDD. On 8 January, the new Army Chief of Staff, General Germain Niyonkana, warned of a potential major confrontation between the forces that could threaten the truce and the implementation of the ceasefire.
Population Displacement and Humanitarian Access It is the civilian population that suffers most as the conflict and violence continues. Not only are they caught in the crossfire of clashes between the army and rebel forces, forced to flee their homes to seek refuge in ‘more secure’ areas, but they are also vulnerable to direct attack themselves as their civilian status is either ignored or questioned by the various armed protagonists. A survey undertaken by UNFPA indicates there are 281,052 IDPs in 230 permanent sites throughout Burundi. The full report of the UNFPA survey will be released in June 2003, providing data on population statistics, including IDPs’ reproductive health, mortality due to HIV/AIDS, a history of recent migrations, rural and urban socio- economic and demographic characteristics, household characteristics and structure and violence against women.
Temporary displacement in areas of frequent conflict remains commonplace in Burundi. In some cases, populations leave their homes for only brief periods, but in others they may be unable to return for a considerable time. The numbers of displaced thus fluctuate considerably and can be extremely hard to assess as the conflict that causes displacement also limits or delays humanitarian access.
In July, fighting in Bujumbura Rural temporarily displaced an estimated 40,000 people, while in October, again in Bujumbura Rural, more than 20,000 people abandoned their homes and fled to Mount Sion and Kabezi. Of particular concern to the humanitarian community was the displaced population in Ruyigi, where UN access was barred as a result of the security situation for some 3 months and food distribution only became possible once again in November. Even as the situation eased in Ruyigi, however, rebel incursions in Gitega and Muramvya caused thousands to flee. Of the 17 provinces of Burundi, 11 remain at UN Security Phase III, while 6 are at Phase IV. Military escort is thus mandatory for UN travel and convoys throughout the country.
The Protection of Civilians and Human Rights Of grave concern has been the targeting and death of civilians at the hands of all parties to the conflict. On 9 September, 173 civilians, many of them women and children, were massacred in Itaba, Gitega Province by the Burundian Army. Two army officers were later arrested, following a Government investigation. However, further allegations of civilian killings have been made by human rights groups, such as Iteka; the most recent incident being the massacre of 10 people, as well as extensive looting, by members of the Burundi army in Taba, Gihosha Zone on 6 January. Such abuses, and their consequence for the relationship between the Government, army and civilian population were highlighted in the preliminary comments of the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights, Ms Marie-Therese Keita-Bocoum, following her mission to Burundi in October. The UN Special Rapporteur had also expressed concern in her report over elements of the new criminal code, prison conditions, arbitrary illegal detention centres and the use of torture. Human Rights Watch also noted with considerable concern the rise of civilian deaths as a result both of incidents such as Itaba, and the bombardment of the capital by rebels. In 2002, civilians have also been killed by mines and unexploded ordinance and a national survey of civilian
OCHA Regional Support Office9 – Central and East Africa victims has been launched, by UNICEF, to assess the current situation and support the Government and other humanitarian actors in the elaboration of an anti-mine strategy.
In Burundi, the rights of children are routinely violated. In its report, Poverty, Isolation and Ill- treatment: Juvenile Justice in Burundi (December 2002), Amnesty International condemned the arbitrary arrest, illegal and often lengthy detention and disproportionate sentencing of children in Burundi. Furthermore, in his report (S/2002/1299) to the Security Council on 17 December, the UN SRSG for Children and Armed Conflict named the FNL, CNDD-FDD and TNG of Burundi as being among 23 groups to still use child soldiers. As part of the Child Soldier Demobilisation, Reintegration and Recruitment project, UNICEF supported two workshops in Bujumbura for 70 senior officers of the Burundi forces in November. The workshops addressed human rights, the rights of children, child soldiers and how to treat captured rebels.
An IDP Protection Survey took place 15-24 January 2003 to address gaps in the Framework for the Protection of IDPs, which has not always been effective. This assessed how the UN Country Team, and other relevant actors, can support the Government of Burundi in discharging its responsibilities for the protection of IDPs in particular, and can thus enhance the ‘protection relationship’.
Repatriation and Returnees Even in such an uncertain and fragile situation, refugees continue to repatriate to Burundi. Facilitated repatriation formally began at the end of March 2003, following a meeting of the Tripartite Commission (the Governments of Tanzania and Burundi, and UNHCR). Since this time, UNHCR’s position has remained the same: recognising the desire of some refugees to return home, it agreed to facilitate, but not promote, voluntary return through northern border crossing points only and to the comparatively calm provinces in the north. It continues to regard the current levels of security in southern provinces as unsuitable for facilitated repatriation. Since the beginning of the repatriation to 31 December, some 31,421 persons have been assisted to return to their places of origin, receiving food and non-food packages on arrival. The rate of facilitated return dropped significantly in the second half of the year as insecurity in the country worsened in advance of the ceasefire agreement. Even though return is not facilitated to southern provinces for reasons of insecurity, some refugees have chosen to make their own way home. By 31 December, some 21,432 spontaneous returnees were reported to have arrived. Not all of these have been able to return to their places of origin, but some are believed to have joined displaced populations in established sites.
Burundian Refugees in Tanzania A total of 840,861 (370,861 of whom are UNHCR-assisted) Burundian refugees remain in Tanzania and their presence has been the catalyst of some tension between the Burundi and Tanzanian Governments. The concerns of Tanzania have related not only to the burden that the long-term presence of refugees places on host communities in western regions of Tanzania, but also to issues of local security (ie banditry) and inter-state relations. The Burundi Government has alleged, on a number of occasions, that the refugee camps provide a base for subversive activities by the Burundi armed rebellion and that this rebellion has been supported by Tanzania, despite its role in brokering peace negotiations. ‘Sincere and frank’ talks between representatives of the two Governments in August, following a series of accusations and counter-accusations, led to some improvement in their relations. However, the presence of refugees in this border area remains a potential catalyst for tension between the two countries, especially in the critical run-up to the implementation of a ceasefire. In the interests of its relationship with Burundi, the
OCHA Regional Support Office10 – Central and East Africa Government of Tanzania is keen to encourage repatriation and has even pressed for the creation of ‘safe havens’ within Burundi that might facilitate this. Plans for repatriation and reintegration are already in place within Burundi, and contingency planning is being undertaken against the possibility of sudden, mass repatriation. Although unlikely, it should be recognised that the sudden mass return of refugees could easily overwhelm local resources and absorption capacity.
The large number of Burundian refugees in Tanzania constitutes a major dilemma for the Tanzania government. Following renewed and growing complaints by Tanzanian authorities about the burden posed by the large number of refugees, many of them from Burundi, on its security and population, the Executive Committee on Humanitarian Affairs (ECHA) sent a mission to Tanzania between 24th October- 3rd November. The Mission was tasked with providing a better understanding of the impact of refugees on local communities. (See Tanzania Section of this Report).
Refugees Burundi hosts 40,533 refugees, the majority of whom are from the DRC. The Government of Burundi and UNHCR had initially planned to relocate Congolese (mostly Banyamulenge) refugees from camps in Rugombo, near Bujumbura, to Muyinga. A significant number of the refugees had refused to move, citing security concerns in the north, and some families returned to the DRC. From October, however, a resurgence of fighting in eastern DRC – particularly in and around Uvira – has resulted in new waves of refugees making the often difficult and dangerous crossing of the river to Burundi. On 11-12 October, an estimated 11,000 Congolese fled the DRC to the Burundi border towns of Gatumba and Rugombo and subsequently received assistance there. A further wave of 8,500 refugees was received in Burundi at the end of December following renewed fighting in South Kivu. They have also been accommodated in the temporary sites. UNHCR had hoped to close these sites and transfer the refugees further inland to Cishemeye, Cibitoke and Gasorwe, Muyinga, but the new arrivals in December has delayed this movement. It is not clear how many more refugees may be received as fighting continues in the DRC, particularly in view of the difficulty of crossing the river and allegations that local authorities in DRC are preventing the movement of the population. In addition to the DRC caseload, there are currently 773 (765 UNHCR- assisted) refugees from Rwanda in Burundi.
Food Security Both seeds and seed protection rations (SPR) for over 500,000 beneficiaries were distributed from mid- September for the 2003A season. Particular emphasis was placed on reaching beneficiaries in the most insecure provinces, ie Bujumbura Rural, Ruyigi, Gitega, Muramvya, Makamba, Rutana, Kayanza, Karuzi and Mwaro, where previous nutritional surveys had indicated the highest rates of malnutrition. In October, however, the Early Warning Task Force (including WFP, FAO, UNICEF, OCHA and the Ministry of Agriculture) reported that the late arrival of rains might have a negative effect on expected crop yields in the December/January harvest. By early December, it was predicted that the two-month delay in the rains affecting the current harvest, plus the cumulative effects from the previous poor harvest, would indeed have an extremely detrimental effect on food security in the country. On 2 December, WFP launched an urgent appeal for food donations to avert potential shortages. The agency estimates that the number of people requiring food assistance could double from 580,000 to 1.2 million. Food insecurity has a direct effect upon the nutritional status of the population, and the weakened health status increases the potential for epidemics, such as malaria. The situation is thus being monitored extremely closely by the humanitarian community – particularly in provinces deemed especially vulnerable.
OCHA Regional Support Office11 – Central and East Africa Health Burundi has remained vulnerable to serious epidemics during the period under review. In July, a suspected meningitis epidemic was being monitored in Ngozi province and plans were being put in place for both treatment and vaccination. By mid-October, some 1,086 cases and 72 deaths had been recorded and the number of new cases was finally decreasing in response to the combined Government and inter-agency strategy. The strategy was based on close epidemiological surveillance, case management, social mobilisation and extensive vaccination. Mass vaccination was undertaken in Muyinga, Ruyigi, Cankuzo, Gitega and Karuzi. UNICEF and WHO provided over 2 million doses of vaccine, having received funding for these and the campaign from ECHO, DFID, the Bill Gates Fund and the Government of the Netherlands. Outbreaks of cholera have been recurrent in Burundi, particularly during the period of conflict, exacerbated by overcrowding during displacement, poor sanitation and inadequate and contaminated water supplies. A significant outbreak began in June in areas of Bujumbura Mairie and Cibitoke. Some 700, cumulative, cases were reported. This was finally brought under control, in October, through the concerted efforts of NGOs, IOs and UN agencies, which combined forces to provide treatment, education and improve water and sanitation facilities.
Malaria is the most common disease in Burundi and, particularly since the most serious epidemic in 2000, is monitored closely. A new drug protocol was adopted in July and will be implemented during the coming year, but humanitarian organisation still face bureaucratic and administrative hurdles in the import of drugs – both for malaria and for other preventative and curative care. The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Burundi further increases the vulnerability of the population to disease. Sero-prevalence is estimated at 11.3% among adults and there are an estimated 240,000 aids orphans. In late July 2002, the World Bank signed a USUS$36 million credit with the TNG supporting the 2002-2006 HIV/AIDS plan. Vaccination programmes continue in Burundi despite the difficulties created for access by insecurity. The second round of polio vaccination took place from 19-22 August – a joint effort of the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, WHO, local authorities and implementing partners in the field - and targeted 627,720 children between 0-59 months. Particular attention was paid to provinces bordering the DRC in order to contain the spread of the virus, which had been recently identified there. In December, USAID awarded a USUS$3 million grant, to be disbursed over 4 years, to Population Services International (PSI) and Care Burundi to increase the capacity of the local health sector.
2003 Consolidated Appeal for Burundi On 19 November, the United Nations in Burundi launched an appeal for USUS$69,702,266 to address critical humanitarian needs. The CAP in 2003 represented an expression of concern for the people of Burundi, who, whether inside or outside the country, have long-suffered the consequences of violent conflict. It appeals to donors to reach out to the victims of war and, at the same time, reinforce the transitional instruments that bring hope for the future. This far, donors have contributed US$2,021, 2711 in response.
1 OCHA Financial Tracking System figures and a yet to be reported donation by the Swedish Government, extended as well to RoC, DRC, Burundi, Uganda and the Regional Support Office for Eastern and Central Africa within the 2003 Appeals.
OCHA Regional Support Office12 – Central and East Africa DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO Total Population: 49,000,000
INTERNALLY DISPLACED PEOPLE LOCATION ORIGIN FIGURES COMMENTS Equateur DRC 167,629 An increasing number of returnees in all areas following approximately two years of relative calm throughout the province. Katanga DRC 347,364 274,364 are scattered in government controlled areas Maniema DRC 180,000 Given a high rate of inaccessibility for security or logistical reasons as well as the limited presence of humanitarian partners working within this province, the real state of the situation of IDPs was likely underestimated throughout 2002 as insecurity and fighting increased between Mai Mai and RCD-Goma during this period. North Kivu DRC 929,000 An estimated 285,000, 90% of which have been registered, have been displaced since August 2002. Please note, a large number of the displaced persons in Masisi and Lubero territories were given reinstallation assistance in 2002 but have not yet returned home and therefore are still considered IDPs. Orientale DRC 641,000 This number includes an estimated 555,000 displaced persons within the district of Ituri. Some 250,000 IDPs were registered in accessible zones in Ituri since July 2002 while the rest are estimations based on information received from international and local sources. Given the explosion of ethnic unrest and fighting between various rebel groups, in particular since August 2002, the number of displaced persons is likely much higher than the 555,000 estimated for Ituri, although with little access to the region during the second half of 2002, this cannot be confirmed. Some sources estimate that 80% of the population of Ituri or 3.8 million people have been displaced at least once since 1999. In addition, a large majority of Ituri’s displaced persons have been displaced several times. South Kivu DRC 271,000 Only in accessible areas (see map of accessibility in South Kivu, in CAP 2003) East & West Kasai DRC 143,000 Kinshasa DRC 28,000
OCHA Regional Support Office13 – Central and East Africa TOTAL IDPs 2,706,993 This number includes an estimated 950,000 persons throughout Ituri and the Kivus who were displaced between August and December 2002, reflecting the increased insecurity in Eastern DRC during the second half of 2002. At least 50% of these “newly” displaced have been registered by international organizations, the rest are estimates made in collaboration with partners. This number, however, does not include many unknown displaced persons in hiding in insecure and inaccessible areas throughout Eastern DRC.
REFUGEES
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN FIGURES Angola 184,201
Burundi 19,467
Rwanda 18,756
Sudan 75,771
CAR 2,849
RoC2 7,185
Uganda 23,012 TOTAL Refugees 331,241 TOTAL Affected Population 3,038,234
OTHER VULNERABLE GROUPS Homeless families following the volcanic eruption of 60,000 Nyiragongo (12,000) Vulnerable general population affected by adverse 20,000,000 effects of the conflict and chronic insecurity Total 20,060,000
The Peace Process: A Critical Junction There have been major developments in the DRC during the period under review: the ceasefire has continued to hold along the former front-line, and nearly all the foreign forces have withdrawn from the country. However, renewed fighting continued in South Kivu and in the North and North East of the country, displacing tens of thousands of people and driving other into Burundi, Tanzania and Rwanda. But perhaps the most significant development in the last quarter was the signing of an all-inclusive power sharing agreement between the warring sides on December 17th in Pretoria.
The Inter Congolese Pretoria Agreement The latest phase of the Inter-Congolese Dialogue began on 15th December 2002 in Pretoria. Following the signing of a partial agreement between the government and the MLC in April that left out RCD Goma,
2 2,615 of these are recent arrivals from the Pool Region.
OCHA Regional Support Office14 – Central and East Africa intense lobbying for the restart of the ICD continued in the following months. The agreement between MLC and the government was not implemented. Following months of deadlock, the government announced late in August that an all-inclusive power-sharing transitional government would supercede the Sun City Accord and that a new agreement was to be negotiated.
In the interim, fighting between RCD Goma and the Mai Mai militias threatened to derail the atmosphere for renewed peace talks. The brief capture of Uvira by the militia from the RCD-Goma in mid October resulted in the suspension of relations with the government by the main rebel group in the East of the country. The rebel group re-captured the town 5 days later. In late October MLC moved from its earlier insistence that the Sun City Accord could not be renegotiated and agreed to re-open talks. RCD-Goma’s softening of its stance over the legitimacy of Kabila presidency, the main reason for its refusal to participate in earlier rounds of the talks, paved the way for an all-inclusive process.
The Pretoria Agreement is the outcome of renewed talks and was signed by all the major parties to the conflict in the country, except the UPC (Union des patriotes congolais) of Thomas Lubanga that controls Bunia. Under the Agreement, Joseph KABILA remains Head of state. Four Vice Presidents will be drawn from RCD-Goma, MLC and opposition groups. The transitional government will be charged with the organization of general elections to take place in two years. The make-up of the transitional parliament will be as follows:
Senate (120 seats): National Assembly (500 seats): 22 - Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie 94 - Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie 22 - Mouvement de liberation du Congo 94 - Mouvement de liberation du Congo 22 - Political opposition 94 - Political opposition 22 - Government 94 - Government 22 - Civil society 94 - Civil society 4 - RCD-Mouvement de liberation 15 - RCD-Mouvement de liberation 4 - Mayi-Mayi militias 10 - Mayi-Mayi militias 2 - RCD-Nationale 5 - RCD-Nationale
Ministers (36): Deputy Ministers (25): 7 - Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie 4 - Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie (RCD- 7 - Mouvement de liberation du Congo Goma) 7 - Political opposition 4 - Mouvement de liberation du Congo (MLC) 7 - Government 4 - Political opposition 2 - Civil society 4 - Government 2 - RCD-Mouvement de liberation 3 - Civil society 2 - Mayi-Mayi militias 2 - RCD-Mouvement de liberation (RCD-ML) 2 - RCD-Nationale 2 - Mayi-Mayi militias 2 - RCD-Nationale (RCD-N)
MLC negotiated for and obtained the position of the presidency of the National Assembly, having maintained that it needed the position to ensure a fair balance of power. There will be newly created Higher Defence Council to be chaired by the president. An integrated national police force will provide security.
Following the signature of the Agreement, the facilitator of the Inter-Congolese Dialogue, Ketumile Masire was on mission to the DRC January 12th-18th to discuss with the parties the timetable for the
OCHA Regional Support Office15 – Central and East Africa convening of the final plenary of the ICD as set out in the Rules of Procedure. He held talks with President KABILA and the other parties to the Agreement. The date, venue, agenda, format and duration of the talks remain undecided. Similarly, issues concerning transitional constitution and national defence remain to be concluded before the final talks can begin
The UN Special Envoy to the DRC Peace Process Mustapha Niasse outlined his priorities for the next stage of the talks January 10th as the constitution of a new National Army from the various armed groups, the conclusion of the draft constitution to be considered by a Technical committee and the assurance of security in Kinshasa for the parties during the transition period. The Agreement has been widely hailed as the best chance yet for peace in the DRC. However, the continued fighting in the east of the country has cast a shadow over the overall peace process and may require a specific initiative that addresses the unique grievances. The transitional Constitution is ideally the best bet for the provision of such an avenue. If successfully implemented, the Pretoria Accord will pave way for the first real and democratic elections in the DRC since the country’s independence in 1960.
Role of MONUC The signature of an all-inclusive peace agreement in the DRC has placed in the spotlight the future role of the UN Mission in the DRC. Preceding the signature, the United Nations Security Council unanimously approved on 4th December further troop reinforcement for the Mission totaling 3,200 and elaborated a "new concept" of operations for the Mission which include a shift of emphasis eastwards, and a significant strengthening of its military capacity through the creation of a "forward force" of two robust task forces based in Kindu and Kisangani. Following the troop reinforcement, MONUC’s strength will attain 8,700 military personnel. The mission would provide security at sites allocated for the DDRRR process, assist in the destruction of impounded weapons and munitions, and continue to monitor the movement of foreign troops from the DRC. In addition, riverine units would be used to support the reopening of the Congo River to commercial traffic. However, at year’s end, the authorized strength of the Mission had not been attained for lack of adequate troop contributions. Troop contribution pledges have been made by among others China and South Africa and deployments are likely to be in Ituri, Beni and Kindu where the DDRRR process are either underway or planned for takeoff in the near future.
Amos Ngongi, head of MONUC, indicated on 19 December that the mission requires a new mandate in order to assist the Congolese during the transition period leading up to national elections. The United Nations Secretary-General would have to submit proposals to the Security Council for a new role to be assigned to MONUC.
The transitional period, due after new institutions are put in place, is not part of MONUC's current mandate. As such, MONUC would perform no role in the formation of a national army for the DRC but would organize refresher courses for a joint police team, if requested, following the example of the Mission’s two phased training of civilian police in Kisangani in July and October 2002.
RCD Goma withdrew their ban of Amos Ngongi late September. RCD Goma imposed the ban on Ngongi in the wake of the May 2002 Kisangani massacres, which were roundly condemned by MONUC, straining relations between the UN and RCD-Goma. The lifting of the ban on Ngongi re-opened diplomatic channels and will foster cordial working relations with the parties to the conflict. This bodes well for the peace process and will be critical during the transition period.
16 MONUC information role will also play a key role during the envisaged transition period in the DRC. The Mission’s Radio Okapi expanded its services to Bukavu in October, broadcasting on 98.6 FM, the ninth local radio station relay in the country.
Bilateral Agreements. Several bilateral agreements have been concluded with neighbouring countries on wide ranging issues, including the repatriation of refugees, the withdrawal of foreign forces the demobilization of ‘negative forces’ and the pacification of Ituri. Many of these agreements have been implemented, many more violated. In large however, prospects for peace in the DRC continue to brighten.
The July 30th Agreement between Rwanda and the DRC has witnessed remarkable progress in implementation during the reporting period. Rwanda completed the withdrawal of 20,941 troops from the DRC on October 5th. MONUC confirmed the withdrawal of the troops from 21 assembly points, out of a total of 23,760 troops declared by Rwanda. Conflicting views remain however as to whether Rwanda has completely pulled out of the country. This was brought into sharp focus during the fighting in Uvira between the Rwanda-allied rebel group RCD-Goma and Mai Mai militiamen in October. Following persistent allegations to the contrary, MONUC dispatched investigators on December 5th to South Kivu to investigate.
Neither the UN Mission nor the Joint Military Commission originally found any evidence to substantiate the allegations. Rwanda has variously denied the allegations, explaining that the shortfall of 2,819 soldiers as being due to leave, training and other assignments at the time of withdrawal. However, recent MONUC statements have reported Rwandan, Ugandan and DRC rebels’ troop movements in the Kivus and a potential confrontation between the UPDF and Rwandan troops in Kanyabayonga. Rwanda promptly issued a fresh denial.
The Uganda DRC Luanda Agreement Relations between Uganda and the DRC took a turn for the better in early September following the signature of an agreement by the two countries in Luanda, Angola. The Luanda Agreement provides for the withdrawal of Ugandan troops from the DRC after the establishment of an Ituri Pacification Committee. The Agreement signed on 6th September 2002 was re-affirmed on November 25th in Dar es Salaam following the deterioration of the security situation in Ituri and the parties renewed their commitment to the constitution of the Ituri Pacification Committee. Uganda announced early September that it had completed the withdrawal of its forces from the DRC, except for 2 battalions in the northeastern town of Bunia and some troops on the Ruwenzori mountain slopes at the request of the UN Peace Mission in the DRC (MONUC). The Ituri Pacification Committee is yet to be constituted despite the establishment on September 27th of a Joint DRC/Uganda Joint Commission to establish peace in the area. The main sticking point appears to be UPC’s Thomas Lubanga’s insistence that Ituri be upgraded to provincial status and not be recognized as a district. The government has dismissed the UPC demand, further stalling the constitution of the Pacification Committee.
Uganda proposed on 9 January that a protection force from a neutral country such as Egypt, Ethiopia or Morocco be sent to the DRC after the withdrawal of Ugandan troops is complete.
DRC allies Angola, Namibia, and Zimbabwe were officially bade farewell by the government in Kinshasa on October 30th marking the complete withdrawal of all foreign forces from the territory of the DRC and removing one of the major stumbling blocks to the attainment of a solution to the conflict.
17 Burundi-DRC Agreement The government of the DRC signed an agreement with the Burundi government for the withdrawal of Burundi troops present in the Kivu provinces on October 13th. Following talks in Bujumbura, the DRC government on its part pledged to prevent Burundi rebel groups from using DRC territory as a rear base for attacks into Burundi. Burundi had earlier withdrawn 7,000 of its forces in the DRC and are to complete withdrawing the two remaining battalions there, according to a Joint communiqué signed by the two governments at the end of two days of talks. Burundi withdrew its forces from the DRC in September even though some forces remain to contain the rebellion.
Human rights The resumption of fighting in the east of the DRC in August and its escalation in subsequent months was accompanied by widespread human rights abuses by parties to the conflict. Fighting between the UPC and Mbusa Nyamwisi’s RCD-Liberation Movement in Bunia in August led to the killing of hundreds of civilians in Bunia and Nyakunde, including hospital personnel and civilians. DRC human rights Minister Luaba Ntumba was himself briefly taken hostage while on a peace mission to Ituri. In an open letter to the UN Security Council on 17th October, Amnesty International warned of a possibility of genocide in Ituri if deliberate incitement of various groups by the parties continued. UN Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, Carolyn McAskie echoed these concerns October 23rd, warning of ‘a massacre of horrific proportions’ if the international community did not act to forestall incitement of ethnic hatred in the east of the country.
In South Kivu, the fighting between RCD Goma and Banyamulenge-Mai Mai fighters led to the killing of scores of civilians and widespread looting. Rape, sexual assault and abduction of women for sexual exploitation were widespread during the battles for the control of Uvira and surrounding areas and continue to be of concern
In Ituri, where fighting has displaced more that a dozen of tens of thousands of people, human rights took a new turn in January 2003 when the bishop of Beni-Butembo Bishop Sikulu Paluku, accused the MLC and RCD-N of perpetrating acts of cannibalism, with pygmies adversely affected. A subsequent MONUC investigation confirmed the allegations even as both groups condemned such acts and declared they would punish any of their members convicted of human rights abuses. The Preliminary MONUC report has been forwarded to the UN Security Council for further action. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Sergio Vieira de Mello, called for sanctions to be imposed on the rebel groups implicated in the preliminary MONUC report on cannibalism in Ituri as a deterrence measure, noting that the human rights situation in the country remained fragile and massive human rights violations continue in MLC and RCD-Goma controlled areas of the country. A parallel MLC investigation has revealed human rights violations but dismissed reports of cannibalism as a Government/Mai Mai conspiracy to derail the implementation of the Pretoria Peace Deal.
Mass graves were discovered in Kisangani and Mambasa by MONUC teams in December and January. MONUC found 38 human corpses buried in a mass grave in Kisangani on December 13th. Preliminary tests indicated the corpses were buried between 1994 and 2001 and conclusive experts’ reports are awaited. Two other mass graves were discovered in Mambasa on January 13th. It remains unknown how many victims were killed, or when the killings took place.
Mambasa has been the scene of fighting between MLC that is allied to the RCD-N against the RCD-K- ML. All three signed a short-lived MONUC-facilitated ceasefire agreement on 30 December in Gbadolite. The agreement was to take effect immediately and would have allowed for unrestricted
18 humanitarian access and provision of humanitarian assistance to 130,000 displaced people in the area. Additionally, the rival groups agreed to halt the movement of troops, except for those being pulled back from their present positions. Further, RCD-N was to withdraw its troops from Mambasa and Komanda, which it had earlier captured from the RCD-K-ML with the help of the MLC.
However, fighting broke out hours later and calm is only beginning to be restored in the town. MONUC emphasized that the discovery of the graves was included in a MONUC report destined for UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Sergio Vieira de Mello, who was at the time on mission in the DRC.
MONUC reported on January 21st that the parties to the December 30th Gbadolite Cease-fire agreement were beginning to observe the agreement and that MLC troops remaining in Mambasa were either ill or wounded while RCD-K-ML soldiers were 35 km from the town. MONUC hopes the agreement will be in complete force during February 2003.
The Security Council called for an end to human rights abuses in the east of the country September 30th. The EU expressed concern about human rights abuses in Ituri on October 22nd and called for their end. At the end of October, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called for the retrial of 30 people sentenced to death by the DRC Military Order Court following their conviction on charges of involvement in the assassination of the late President Laurent Kabila in January 2001. The government had earlier on 23 September lifted a moratorium on executions despite a commitment made in March 2001 to the UN Commission for Human Rights by President Joseph Kabila to retain it. The UNHCHR said the trial was flawed. The DRC government promulgated on 18 November a new law to abolish the Military Order Court within 30 days of President Kabila’s signature, but pointed out that judgments already entered by the court at the time of its abolition will stand. The decree is yet to be signed by President Kabila.
Humanitarian Situation: No let up in suffering of population despite modest gains in search of peace The DRC conflict is a human tragedy whose main victims are civilians. With more than 2.5 millions deaths, 2.7 million IDPs and 20 million vulnerable civilians have paid and continue to pay the highest price resulting from the adverse effects of the conflict and its critical and enormous implications on health, mortality, and poverty.
Recent gains in the peace process have been checkmated by pockets of serious fighting in the East and North of the country, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and sending others fleeing into exile. Humanitarian access has been seriously undermined and is increasingly difficult, exacerbating the suffering of affected populations.
In Ituri, lack of access continued to impede humanitarian assistance to half a million IDPs, many victims of the latest round of fighting between the MLC allied RCD-N and RCD-K-ML living wretched lives in a string of towns 200 km between Bunia and Beni. Most of the IDPs are concentrated in Eringeti, 50 km north of Beni, with others in Mayi-Moya, Mbau, Mavivi, Ngadi, Mutwanga and Beni. Another 400,000 IDPs are scattered throughout South Kivu Province, many as a result of recent fighting between Congolese Mayi-Mayi militias and the RCD Goma. Humanitarian flights have been repeatedly denied access at Bunia airport and access problems continued to be experienced in Uvira, Bukavu and Kindu following renewed fighting in the wake of the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from the DRC.
19 Overall, nearly 1 million IDPs in eastern DRC remain inaccessible to humanitarian and other assistance and the number of displaced continues to rise. Sour relations between UPC and the humanitarian community in Ituri took a turn for the better towards year-end when Thomas Lubanga conveyed, through the head of MONUC Amos Ngongi, UPC’s security guarantees for humanitarian organizations working in the area. However, the escalation of fighting between the RCD-N and RCD-K-ML at the very end of the year undermined this spirit. The humanitarian situation in Ituri remains worrying and precarious.
In November 2002, the United Nations called for respect of humanitarian principles, including unimpeded and unfettered access to affected populations as well as respect and support to humanitarian workers in the northeastern regions of the DRC. The call followed the expulsion of the OCHA representative to Ituri, Felix Ntumba, and his declaration as persona non grata by the UPC, which controls Bunia. Despite the fact that of all the regions of the DRC, Ituri has been the subject of the most widespread efforts to disseminate information regarding basic humanitarian principles of impartiality, neutrality, and independence, in the Kihema, Kilendu, Kiswahili, Lingala, French and English languages, it is also where these universally accepted principles are most violated.
Fighting in Ituri has deprived farmers access to their fields in Mambasa and disrupted commercial activities in Dungu, and other areas, depriving inhabitants of livelihoods and worsening health and malnutrition conditions. Access problems were also experienced in Nyakunde following the flare up of fighting in Ituri and an assessment mission to Baraka in South Kivu was forcibly turned back in early August. These access difficulties represent part of wider humanitarian difficulties in the DRC experienced during the reporting period. The changed political environment in the east of the country following the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from the DRC resulted into a controversial repatriation pact between RCD Goma and the Rwanda government for the return of 32 000 Congolese refugees in Byumba (Rwanda) to the DRC beginning 31st August. The repatriation of these refugees appear to have ceased mid October after about 9,500 Congolese refugees were repatriated to Eastern DRC. However, RCD Goma prevented humanitarian access to the ‘returnees’ from Rwanda at the Kichanga Camp near Goma, following allegations of their involuntary repatriation.
The fighting in Ituri left in excess of 150,000 people displaced in the last quarter alone, bringing the total number of people displaced in the area to 500,000. In South Kivu, fighting between RCD-Goma and detachments of Mayi-Mayi and Banyamulenge militias drove an estimated 13,000 Congolese into Kigoma in Northwestern Tanzania, Burundi (itself already reeling from a long-running civil war) and southwestern Rwanda. Some 20,000 temporarily displaced civilians returned to Uvira from the Gatumba border post when RCD-Goma retook the town. Fighting in the northeast sent hundreds of people fleeing into Uganda. Another 11,000 Congolese refugees were already registered in Burundi as of 23rd October.
The peace process in Angola following the peace agreement between the government and UNITA eased Angolan refugee population in the DRC. Spontaneous returns have risen since October 2002 from Bas Congo, Bandundu and Katanga.
The civil war in Congo Brazzaville sent refugees fleeing into MLC controlled areas in the north of DRC. Between September and October therefore, a marked increase in refugee movement was witnessed in the entire Great Lakes region with DRC outpouring into Burundi, Rwanda and Tanzania, the main source of people fleeing conflict into neighbouring countries.
20 Economy The final report of the Panel of Experts on the Illegal Exploitation of the DRC’s natural resources was submitted to the UNSC on 21st October. It warned that the withdrawal of foreign troops does not necessarily signal an end to the illegal exploitation of the country’s resources. Indeed, the report revealed that foreign forces and their countries had put in place elaborate extraction mechanisms and ‘criminal elite networks’ to ensure continuation of illegal exploitation even after their departure from the country. Rwanda, Uganda and Zimbabwe are adversely mentioned in the report.
The report concluded that in the five eastern provinces of the DRC, between three to three and a half million people had died directly as a result of Rwandan and Ugandan occupation. The mortality rate for children under five stands at 35% in the most conflict-affected areas while 25-30% of children under five in certain pockets of Katanga, south and north Kivu are malnourished. Destroyed farm production has resulted in food insecurity, malnutrition and high mortality rates for the displaced and host populations. As a result of acute malnutrition levels, the population is exposed to life threatening illnesses.
Several senior officials of the DRC government are adversely mentioned in the report, including Minister of National Security Mwenze Kongolo; Director of the National Intelligence Agency Didier Kazadi Nyembwe; Minister of Presidency and Portfolio Augustin Katumba Mwanke; the president of the state diamond company, Societe miniere de Bakwanga (MIBA), Jean-Charles Okoto; Planning Minister and former Deputy Defence Minister Gen Denis Kalume Numbi; the director general of Sengamines, Yumba Monga; and former Minister of the Presidency Pierre Victor Mpoyo. President Joseph Kabila November 11th suspended six of the government officials named in the report: Mwenze Kongolo, Katumba Mwanke; Denis Kalume; the ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mawampanga Mwanananga; the administrator-general, Kazadi Nyembwe; and the former chief executive officer of MIBA, Jean- Charles Okoto. Additionally the government instituted investigations into the matter.
The report says that in areas controlled by Uganda and its allied rebel organizations, the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) "continue to provoke ethnic conflict" for economic gain, particularly in Ituri district.
The increasing confidence of donors in the hope that ongoing peace talks will lead to sustainable peace has been measured but remains overally positive. In early August, the World Bank announced a US US$454 million loan to the government to rehabilitate the country’s infrastructure and enhance social security.
The Paris Club of donors similarly announced the immediate cancellation of DRC’s external debts totaling an estimated US US$ 4.64 billion. The African Development Bank approved mid November a US US$4.26 million-grant for projects aimed to boost the government's capacity to manage its macroeconomic and public investment programmes. In addition, the money will support structures to the Emergency Multi-sectoral Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Programme (PMURR) of the war-torn country. Improved government management capacity would enable it to prudently allocate resources to social sectors, thus contributing to the reduction of poverty.
The DRC government officially launched its national diamond certification programme on January 8th as part of its participation in the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which took effect on 1 January 2003. The DRC was among 52 countries that agreed on 4th November 2002 in Interlaken, Switzerland,
21 to adopt the international certification scheme designed to stop the flow of "blood diamonds" into world markets.
After twelve years of economic stagnation, the Central Bank announced an estimated 3% economic growth rate for 2002, The Central Bank’s report indicated that the performance was recognised by Bretton Woods Institutions as the results of government’s considerable effort to reduce public expenditure and contain runaway inflation and currency volatility. Officials predict a 5% growth economic rate in 2003. However, these results and forecasts are, at best, approximations and only reflect the reality in government-controlled provinces. Furthermore, even in the government-controlled areas, the modest economic gains are yet to trickle down to the average Congolese, many of whom live in desperate economic conditions. Despite the dramatic decline in the rate of inflation, prices of staple food and basic items remain beyond the reach of average people. Unemployment remains widespread, incentives for private sector investment are still not sufficiently in place and insecurity is rampant. Restoration of security countrywide remains the key to improved economic growth and conditions of life though, among others, foreign investment that will create jobs. The IMF and World Bank view the conclusion of the conflict as a prerequisite for the extension of their programmes in rebel-controlled areas if a representative and better economic performance is to be attained in 2003. Development as well as other assistance by the Bretton Woods Institutions will also be pegged on respect for and observance of human rights.
Disarmament Demobilization Repatriation Reintegration Resettlement (DDRRR) The government’s efforts at DDRRR process as envisaged by the 30th July Pretoria Accord between Rwanda and the DRC has been modest. Largely, this is because the government controls little of the territory where combatants for demobilization are, mainly in the east. However, the government took bold moves during the reporting period to honour its commitments.
The government outlawed all Rwandan groups operating in the country on 24th September and declared their leaders persona non grata. The government specifically targeted the Forces Democratiques de Liberation du Rwanda (FDLR), and gave its leaders 72 hours to leave the country. Subsequently eight of the leaders were expelled from the country on October 30th. UNHCR voiced concern over the refoulement of the eight.
Similarly, the government, with MONUC in the lead, repatriated 677 ex-combatants encamped at the Kamina Military Base to Rwanda, comprising 375 ex-combatants and 302 dependants (women and children). Those repatriated were taken to Mutobo camp. There are 200 ex-combatants remaining at Kamina. The whereabouts of about 1,300 remain unknown following a mutiny on 1st November, pitting the Congolese Armed Forces against some of the Rwandan ex-combatants. 11 additional Rwandan FDLR commanding officer arrested in Kinshasa were repatriated to Rwanda on 22nd January.
MONUC established a DDRRR reception centre in Lubero. The Centre is managed by a contingent of Uruguayan troops. MONUC also dispatched reconnaissance teams to Shabunda, Salamabila, Buniakiri to sensitize foreign combatants and their dependants on the DDRRR operation. France is donating one million euros (US$1.05 million) towards the DDRRR. MONUC is immediately allocating 200,000 euros to the recently opened reception centre in Lubero, South Kivu Province.
Health The continuing conflicts in some parts of the DRC are having severe health consequences for its people. Malnutrition rates are unacceptably high in some parts of the country, particularly in the Kivus,
22 Oriantale and Katanga provinces. Overall, between 10-30% of the population in the east is suffering from acute malnutrition, especially women and children. Furthermore, the shrinking of humanitarian space means that even the little humanitarian assistance that can be extended to the population is frustrated. IDPs and Refugees in the DRC are in nutrition risk category 1 (Very High prevalence), according to the Report on the Nutrition Situation of Refugee and IDPs Populations.
The poor health situation obtains partly because of denial of access to affected populations by the parties to the conflict but also because of the breakdown of physical infrastructure and the poor living conditions that serve to expose the population to epidemics like cholera.
It is against this background that the World Bank announced on August 7th an IDA grant of US$44 million in support of the government's efforts to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and other communicable diseases. The grant would also provide funding for health-care services targeting groups such as mothers, children, orphans and war victims.
An outbreak of an acute respiratory syndrome in the northwest of the DRC affected Bosobolo, Gbadolite, Gemena and Karawa. Comprehensive surveillance data had been difficult to obtain because of persistent communications problems. However, preliminary results of a survey conducted by Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) France and Epicentre indicated that 1,245 cases of the illness, including 18 deaths, had been reported in Bosobolo. Overall, the death toll as of December was 500. WHO reported that all age groups were affected with the highest fatality rates among the elderly and children under- five. WHO, MSF-Belgium, and local health NGOs were helping the Ministry of Health with laboratory diagnosis and provision of supplies. The epidemic spread to Kinshasa killing a further 161. Ministry of Health officials attribute the low level of fatal casualties in the capital to better nutrition and access to health care
Eight people were killed in Watsa, Isiro and Wango, Orientale Province following the outbreak of hemorrhagic fever in early December. Over the Ubangui River, a virulent flue brought home by MLC fighters from CAR claimed 600 lives. WHO estimates put the total number of cases at 1,200. Cholera outbreaks were reported in Kasai Orientale, affecting thousands of people and in Mbuji Mayi, Bunia and Kikondja, (Katanga). In many of the cases, the victims are unable to feed well and lack of access to healthcare and medical supplies. As a result, 1 in four to five die of the epidemic. Owing to widespread insecurity, collapsed health reporting lines and infrastructure as well as access difficulties, many cases of disease outbreaks go unreported.
UNICEF launched 17 December a major campaign to vaccinate 3.5 million children aged six months to 15 years in North Kivu and Eastern Kasai against measles. UNICEF supplied materials worth US US$280,000 for the operation. According to UNICEF, measles is the second-biggest killer of children in the DRC, where 54 per cent of children have not been vaccinated against the disease. In 2002, 222 deaths had been registered out of 26,000 cases treated in DRC health centres. During 2003, UNICEF aims to vaccinate 28.5 million children against measles across the country.
A polio vaccination in the DRC by WHO yielded satisfactory targets in its initial two phases, with 9.1 million children vaccinated. However, as many as 100,000 could not be vaccinated as a result of renewed fighting in the target areas.
23 HIV/AIDS The DRC military and police are to launch a countrywide HIV/AIDS awareness campaign, UNFPA reported during the period under review. A meeting held on 3 December with the International Centre for Migration and Health (ICMH), and over 100 senior military and police officers, as well as the DRC ministers of interior, defence and health, had ended with a consensus on priority actions to be taken by both the military and police at all levels. These include education programmes to disseminate HIV/AIDS messages, and condom-distribution programmes, studies and evaluations, and workshops. DRC Defence Minister is concerned that AIDS had become “an occupational hazard for uniformed men and women around the world". In the DRC, a number of factors have compounded the problem: the presence of foreign forces in the country; military camps which attracted commercial sex workers; and large numbers of soldiers posted away from their homes, their usual sex partners and the cultural norms of their communities. Rwandan, Ugandan and Zimbabwean forces had a particularly high prevalence of HIV. Over the coming months, UNFPA and ICMH plan to work with the DRC government to expand the initiative to the farthest corners of the DRC, working with peacekeepers as well as military and police.
Appeal
Most funding in 2002 went to food aid and multi-sector assistance to refugees; with health, agriculture, and coordination and support services receiving lower levels. Economic recovery, education, family shelter and non-food items, mine action and water and sanitation were largely under funded, or received no funding. Of the total funding requested in 2002, 40.75 % had been received for the year as of mid-October. One of the concrete consequences of this was the forced delay of plans for a widespread measles vaccination campaign in eastern DRC, an illness that remains one of the main causes of mortality among children. A lack of infrastructure also remained a huge problem. Despite the DRC's enormous water, land and forest resources, 64 % of the population was affected by food insecurity while 13,000 ha of land - out of a potential five million ha - was under irrigation.
Humanitarian Organizations appealed on 19th November for an estimated US$270 million in aid for 2003, pointing out that there was still "a blatant discrepancy" between catastrophic levels of visible and reachable human suffering and the constant under funding of the bulk of humanitarian organizations. To date, to assist in realizing the full potential of the DRC as well as to plug the humanitarian needs’ gaps, donors have contributed US$2,706,791 to the 2003 Appeal.
24 REPUBLIC OF CONGO Total Population: approx. 3,000,000
Displaced Population from the Pool region
LOCATION FIGURES
Brazzaville 37,657
Plateau (Djambala) 335
Lekoumou (Zanaga) 2,550
Bouenza (Kingue, Yamba, Mfoati) 13,775
Niari 158
Pool 26,866
Total 81,341
Refugees
LOCATION ORIGIN FIGURES
RoC DRC 82, 570
RoC Angola 20, 215
RoC Rwanda 4, 530
RoC CAR 2,040
Total 109,355
TOTAL AFFECTED POPULATION 190,696 Figures provided by UNHCR
Political Background Since fighting erupted between ‘Ninja’ rebels (who have been observing a truce with government forces during the past two years) and government troops on 27 March 2002, continuing sporadic attacks by the rebels in the Pool region throughout the last quarter of the year intensified to a point that hopes for restoring peace and stability in the Pool Region (only Pool Region faces conflicts) were perceived to be very slim and the entire international community was prepared for the worst. On 18 November 2002, the president issued an ultimatum for rebels to surrender and to come out of the Pool region to Brazzaville through “humanitarian corridors.” To encourage peace efforts, the amnesty law of 1999 was extended for rebels who clearly gave up their weapons in designated areas. The ultimatum was set for 18 December 2002. Despite continuing attacks on villages in the Pool region in December, the government opened the “humanitarian corridors” on the 13th of December, guaranteeing the safe passage of surrendering Ninja fighters. According to the Haut Commissariat à la Réinsertion des Ex- Combattants by 16th December, up to 400 militia combatants regrouped in Brazzaville, Yamba, and Kindamba. The “corridors” continue to remain open in the hope that more rebels will surrender.
25 Support was asked to the humanitarian community for arrival and transition (in sites) of the ex- combatants who arrive through humanitarian corridors.
Another milestone in the peace efforts between the government and the rebels was the withdrawal of the 2500-strong Angolan troops from the Congo. This was one of the conditions under which the rebels would give up fighting and surrender. The official departure was celebrated on 15 December and the first batch of 800 soldiers returned to Angola the next day. However, the government indicated that military cooperation between the two countries would remain, primarily for the training of the military and the police force.
Meanwhile, on 30 December 2002, lawmakers issued a statement requesting that dialogue be established, the corridors remain open, and political parties be involved in the process. Furthermore, they recommended the continuing presence of government forces in the Pool region to monitor the situation. Simultaneously, a parliamentary committee was set up to further discuss peace efforts and to bring an end to the conflict. The committee was tasked to establish contact with Pasteur Ntumi, the head of the Ninja militia and other armed groups in the Pool region.
Humanitarian security and Access The security situation in Pool region has worsened drastically since September 2002 and systematic attacks on villages by rebels and looting by armed bandits rendered most of the affected areas of the region inaccessible for humanitarian agencies. Despite UN efforts, requests for access to the most affected areas were consistently denied up to December 2002 as the Congolese government had been unable to guarantee the safety of humanitarian missions and personnel. The last UN humanitarian mission in the South-Western part of Pool region took place in the beginning of August in Madzia where food distribution was completed. A joint-evaluation mission went to the Northern Part of Pool region on 17/01/03 to assess the needs of displaced population (since attacks of 16-17 December 2002) in this area.
The most recent security incident on 4th December, in which two ICRC staff were abducted in Bouenza near the border to the Pool region, raises concern of insecurity spilling into neighboring areas. Although they have since been released and returned in good health, risks of future abductions remain high and this will put additional constraints on humanitarian work.
In addition, access to the Pool region was rendered even more difficult, as the rainy season started beginning of October due to the poor state of rural roads, intermittent traffic along the Point Noire- Brazzaville railway line, and the single, short and grass airstrip in the area.
Major Floods In October, heavy rains caused major floods in Cuvette and the plateaux regions along the Congo and Nkemi rivers. In three localities, Mossaka, Loukolela and Makotipoko, water levels rose to such an extent that entire villages were inundated and populations had to be relocated to less affected neighboring villages. Seasonal inundations are not new to these localities and major floods have been recorded since 1961, with the last significant one in 2001. Immediate attention was given to the emergency and various UN agencies and NGOs responded promptly to alleviate the human suffering resulting from the calamity. Although the rains subsided and water levels dropped, the aftermath of such large-scale floods is still being observed in the affected areas and over 60,000 people continue to be devastated. Many households depending on agriculture and fishing activities have lost their livelihoods.
26
To minimize the recurrent emergencies caused by seasonal floods in the North of the country, a prevention assistance program has been developed by the Ministry in charge of Humanitarian Actions and its implementation started in November 2002. This will allow for pre-positioning of food and non- food items to ensure timely response in the future as well as IEC campaign (Information, Education, Communication), and an evacuation plan for the population in the high-risk areas. The Minister in charge of humanitarian affairs went on mission in Impfondo, Loukolela, and Makotipoko (December 2002-January 2003).
A Forgotten Emergency The ongoing fighting between the government forces and the Ninjas and intensified sporadic attacks by the rebels on villages over the past six months has once again turned a fragile region back to a state of civil unrest. Barely emerging from the past ten years of civil wars, the rapid deterioration of the humanitarian situation last year clearly indicates that so much more needs to be done to support the recovery efforts of the country. The Pool region has, in addition to the most overwhelming humanitarian needs, the country’s worst human development indicators.
Latest information released in December 2002 indicates a total of 81,341 displaced persons in different sites (there are seven official sites south of Brazzaville but other sites exist in Bouenza Region), in host families in Brazzaville and in areas surrounding Pool Region. Other IDPs are spread out in Brazzaville’s 2 non-official sites and in host families, in families in Lekoumou region and in Plateaux Region). This spread is a development on the situation in July 2002, when there were “only” 66,281 in four localities. Given the limited access due to continuing fighting, it is very difficult to estimate the total number of IDPs actually living in the Pool region. In addition to the registered IDPs, the UN presently estimates that there are still many people dispersed in the forests of the Pool region who urgently need humanitarian assistance but cannot be reached by humanitarian aid agencies. Many more are believed to have remained unidentified because they joined families in the city or other localities in the region and are, therefore, not recorded.
Initially not fully prepared for the sudden onset of humanitarian crisis last year, few funds were immediately available to respond to the sudden humanitarian needs. The UN agencies and the few NGOs working in Congo, including the Government, however, responded very quickly by diverting resources from planned development projects, in particular to meet food urgent needs. Subsequently, an appeal was issued to raise more resources, especially for the urgently needed basic non-food items, such as medicines and potable water to assist the growing number of displaced populations. As of December 2002, the RoC comprehensive UN Appeal 2002, which requested over USUS$35 million, had only received 35% of its total funding requirement.
Funding of key humanitarian operations for both the current emergency and ongoing recovery remains a major constraint. As more and more affected populations have fled Pool region to seek refuge in neighboring regions, the number of IDPs and IDP sites has risen over the past six months. At present there are 81,341 identified IDPs in the country. Not all of them have received assistance, as access to them has been limited. Efforts are also ongoing to identify those who have entered the capital as well as those who are hosted by families in the surrounding areas. Overall, however, living conditions in these overcrowded localities are deteriorating due to insufficient support in shelter, water and sanitation, health and nutrition, and education on the one hand, and depletion of existing infrastructure and local resources, on the other.
27 With the lack of media and donor interest, RoC’s displaced and most vulnerable population are at high risk of becoming increasingly forgotten, making it more difficult for humanitarian agencies to fund much needed interventions. The continuing diversion of funds from ongoing development programs not only interrupts the post-conflict recovery process but also, and more importantly, gives a false sense of security to the international community that sufficient funds are available. It is therefore of utmost urgency to change the wait-and-see attitude towards the ongoing democratic transition process and negotiations with the rebel groups that most donors adopted in 2002. The relative lack of funding has limited the UN’s capacity to help the Congolese in their effort to reap the benefits of peace. Furthermore, in anticipation of several hundred of rebels surrendering in the coming weeks and months, more support to their re-integration will be required in order to meet their expectations and keep the positive momentum. The UN Country Team recently finalized the UN Plan 2003-2004 which reflects the work of 5 cross-cutting themes and 10 sector committees and highlights UN strategies, policies and projects to facilitate a longer-term planning process with all partners. The humanitarian community continues to assist the Ministry in charge of humanitarian affairs to elaborate its Contingency Plan.
Humanitarian Response In October 2002, the UN, working closely with the Ministry of Humanitarian Action has re-opened registration of IDPs from Pool region in Brazzaville and continues to register new arrivals in seven municipalities in the capital as they come.
In the accessible regions such as Bouenza, Lekoumou and Brazzaville town, assessments were conducted in October 2002 to determine the humanitarian needs. Subsequently, food and non-food assistance was provided and agricultural kits distributed in anticipation of the up-coming planting season.
Despite ongoing efforts to meet the needs of the affected population, as of December 2002, food assistance in form of rice, peas, and oil was estimated to be available for a maximum of five months. In order to secure food aid for the emergency, WFP has stopped all rehabilitation programs and re- directed available food to the most vulnerable. Emergency items from UNICEF currently in stock will only suffice for maximum 2 months. Medicine and chlorine supplies from WHO are estimated to last for two and a half months at the most.
The humanitarian situation of the IDPs is becoming increasingly critical. It has worsened over the past month due to limited resources and nutritional status of children and other most vulnerable groups are likely to be adversely affected by the insufficient quantity as well as lack of balance in the food basket. There is also growing concern that the conditions of IDPs who remain inaccessible in the Pool region and non-registered IDPs from the region living in host families may deteriorate rapidly due to the slow response.
Human Rights Despite repeatedly voicing concern over human rights abuses in ROC particularly in the Pool region earlier in last year, forces on both sides have continued to fire indiscriminately, killing and wounding civilians. Over the past months, massive destruction of houses and other property, burning of entire villages and looting, as well as rape of women have become more and more systematic, an unacceptable method of warfare. Still, to date, the fate of a number of young men, reported to have been abducted earlier last year, remains unknown.
28 RWANDA Total Population: 8.16 million
LOCATION ORIGIN FIGURES COMMENTS
Kigeme camp Burundi 524 Refugees: even Gihembe camp DRC 13,482 Refugees: decrease Kiziba camp DRC 15, 207 Refugees: even Urban centres Mixed (majority Burundi/DRC) 2,024 Refugees: decrease
Total Affected Population: 31,237 (No IDPs)
Returnees LOCATION ORIGIN FIGURES COMMENTS
Returnee figures as at Tanzania Rwanda 23,800 31/12/02
OTHER VULNERABLE GROUPS IN RWANDA Dec 2002
Urban asylum seekers 3,326
Flood Affected (in Butare) 1,511
Children in Centres pour Enfants Non-Accompagnes (CENAS) 3,475
Minors in prisons 5,0213
Street children 7,000
Children in Child-Headed Households (CHHs) 250,000
Population living in inadequate shelters 192,0004
Detainee figures 100,000
Orphans 400,0005
TOTAL 962,333
Introduction During the period July to end of December 2002, Rwanda has come under intense international scrutiny and media spotlight on a number of issues:- the involuntary repatriation of Congolese refugees from Rwanda, withdrawal of troops from the DRC and the country’s implication in the illegal exploitation of DRC’s natural resources and wealth. However, on the economic front, the country has made positive strides towards sustainable economic growth. Rwanda has, additionally, exhibited a general positive situation, reversing the circumstances that had caused hundreds of thousands of its citizens to seek refuge abroad. As a result of the restoration of a semblance of normalcy in the country, the
3 This figure includes many adults (most ”minors” in prisons are now adults, after 8 years in jail). 4 This state and number of those living under inadequate shelter is currently under review by the Ministry of Lands, Human Settlement and Environmental Protection 5 Figure provided by IFRC in the Rwanda Appeal No. 01.08/2003 29 government of Rwanda has convinced its citizens to return home and has actively been involved in the repatriation of its citizens from countries in the region where they have been hosted as refugees since the 1994 genocide.
Political Elections: Rwanda is set to hold its multi-party elections in July 2003. The elections will attempt to bring an end to the current Transitional Government - a coalition of different political parties. There have been concerns, however, over how much the opposition parties in the country can exercise their campaigns without restrictions imposed on them by the current government and ruling party RPF (Rwanda Patriotic Front). A few International Organizations who follow the political trends in the country have put pressure on the International Community to desist from providing financial assistance for the country’s election process unless measures are taken by the Rwandan government to respect and give room to a number of issues, such as the liberalization of the press and all political parties and the return of exiled politicians in order for them to participate equally in the election campaigns.
Troop Withdrawal Subsequent to the signing of the Pretoria Peace Accord by Presidents Kagame and Kabila on 30th July, which committed the DRC government to the disarmament and repatriation of Rwandan rebel groups in the DRC in exchange for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from DRC territory, Rwanda has been reported to have successfully completed it’s troop withdrawal from DRC. The last withdrawal was completed on 5th October. The official figure provided by the Rwandan government on the number of Rwandan troops withdrawn from the DRC is 20,941 out of a total of 23,760. Some doubt, however, has been cast on the good faith of the operations after reports by the US Committee for Refugees indicated that the Rwandan government was sending soldiers, posing as returning refugees, back to DRC. The Rwandan government has since denied these allegations and maintains that all troops have withdrawn in line with the Pretoria Agreement. MONUC, reacting to these reports, sent a team of investigators on 5th December into DRC to investigate the alleged presence of Rwandan troops. Subsequent MONUC statements have maintained the continued presence of Rwandan troops in the Kivus, and even the potential for a confrontation between them and detachments of Ugandan troops in Kanyabayonga. Rwanda continues to issue denials. (See DRC section of this Report)
Repatriation Voluntary repatriation of Rwandan refugees from Tanzania The voluntary repatriation of Rwandan refugees from the North Western Tanzanian camps was completed on 27th December 2002 in line with the deadline of 31st December that was agreed on 13th December during a tripartite meeting between UNHCR and the governments of Rwanda and Tanzania. Only 150 of the refugees still remain in Tanzanian refugee camps or in various prisons in the Kagera region. Discussion of this caseload is expected to take place at the end of January 2003.The total number of refugees repatriated in 2002 is 23,800. A number of Rwandese refugees had fled from Tanzania into Uganda for fear of being repatriated back to Rwanda. The Ugandan government has rejected the caseload and announced that it will not offer assistance to the refuges because they already receive asylum protection from the government of Tanzania. The voluntary repatriation of Rwandan refugees from the North Western Tanzanian camps was completed on 27th December 2002 in line with the deadline of 31st December that was agreed on 13th December during a tripartite meeting between UNHCR and the governments of Rwanda and Tanzania. As of February 2003, some 1,500 Rwandan refugees remained in Tanzanian refugee camps or in various prisons in the Kagera region. Discussions on this last caseload took place during another tripartite session on 12th February with
30 options being offered to these refugees to either return voluntarily or have their refugee status revoked through the invocation of the cessation clause.
Voluntary repatriation of Rwandan refugees from Zambia A Tripartite Agreement was signed on 16th January between UNHCR and the Governments of Rwanda, and Zambia for the repatriation of more than 5,000 Rwandan refugees currently in Zambia. The repatriation is set to begin in April 2003. The repatriation process comes after reports of the positive social and political developments in Rwanda were circulated in camps thereby promoting and encouraging the return of Rwandan refugees back to their homes. A “go and see” visit to Rwanda has been organized for some refugees to confirm the prevailing situation in their country prior to the repatriation process.
Involuntary repatriation of Congolese refugees living in Rwanda The involuntary return of Congolese refugees in Rwanda began end of August 2002 with the Rwandan Government and representatives from RCD-Goma convincing the Congolese refugees from the Gihembe and Kiziba camps in Rwanda to return home amid protest by the UNHCR who insisted that the refugees were repatriated back to their homes “under duress”. The refugees were steered into boats to cross over to Kichanga, in Eastern DRC. No apparent reason was given for the sudden and abrupt involuntary repatriations of the Congolese refugee population. However, according to the US Committee for Refugees6 investigations, the period used to direct the refugee population back to DRC coincided with the Rwandan troop withdrawal from DRC and this movement (repatriation) was being used as a cover-up to return Rwandan troops who had withdrawn from DRC back into the country as returning refugees. Surveys conducted by USCR in November 2002 reported that fewer than 10,000 refugees remained in Gihembe camp, while approximately 13,000 remained in Kiziba camp after the involuntary repatriation. However by late November, about 1,000 forcibly repatriated Congolese refugees had managed to return to Rwanda’s Gihembe camp. The involuntary repatriations ceased in early September 2002 and the Rwandan government and International NGOs are continuing to assist the refugee population.
Repatriation of Rwandan ex-combatants from DRC According to the July Pretoria DRC-Rwanda Accord, the repatriation of Rwandan ex-combatants from DRC was to be completed by 27th October 2002. MONUC completed its first phase of repatriation based in Kamina, DRC on 20th November. A mutiny occurred at the Kamina base on 1st November among over 1,000 Rwandan ex-combatants awaiting repatriation. So far, MONUC confirms that it has repatriated 800 of the ex-combatants and their families out of a total of 2,000. The number of ex- combatants in the DRC has been an issue of contention, with the different parties citing different figures of ex-combatants present in the DRC.
Health AIDS: The HIV/AIDS pandemic remains a destabilizing factor in the country’s economy and development with HIV patients receiving less than 1% access to anti-retroviral drugs.7 Former United States President Bill Clinton visited Rwanda in September and, on behalf of the Clinton Foundation, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Rwandan Government, committing the Foundation to supply the drug, Nevirapine, that reduces mother to child HIV/AIDS transmission. The health ministry is heavily reliant on donor funding to support its health structures. In 2001, the health sector received 60% of funds for its total expenditure from the donor community.
6 See USCR Policy Paper, “The Forced repatriation of Congolese refugees living in Rwanda” –16th December 7 See IFRC Report on Rwanda Appeal No. 01.08/2003 31 Meningitis: A Meningitis epidemic was declared in mid-July leading to a citywide vaccination campaign in Kigali on 31st October. The disease has been a menace to the people of Rwanda as well as a number of other African countries. As of 2nd September, 636 meningitis cases and 83 deaths were reported in 8 of the 12 provinces. MSF, UNICEF and the Ministry of Health launched an appeal for 2 million doses of vaccine for populations at risk. In November 2002, IFRC, MSF, UNICEF and WHO launched an emergency appeal to fund a stock of vaccine, drugs and supplies to avert thousands of unnecessary deaths in the African Meningitis belt. A new strain of the disease is threatening many parts of Africa. Ten million euros are needed to prepare for the deadly W135, a new strain of meningitis now present in Africa.8
Gacaca system A new legislation passed by the National Assembly enabling trials to be conducted through a system of traditional committees for reconciliation and justice (Gacaca) is expected to speed up the trial process. The Gacaca trials began operating nationwide on 25th November. The village-level courts are expected to operate over a period of four to five years. There are currently 673 courts operating nation-wide. A further 8,258 courts will open in March 2003. The courts are also expected to begin handing down judgments in the first quarter of 2003. Beginning 2003, President Paul Kagame instructed Rwandan prisons to release up to 43,000 prisoners falling into categories 2, 3, and 4 detainees who have confessed to crimes of genocide as defined under the Genocide Law of the Republic of Rwanda. The release of the prisoners is not an amnesty act, as they will still be tried for their involvement in the 1994 genocide. The expected release of the prisoners has raised concerns among an advocacy group, which questions the wisdom of the mass release. The group, African Rights, cited that the “provisional liberty” being offered to the detainees would create a sense of insecurity for the genocide survivors, render the state incapable of guaranteeing the presence of the detainees at trials, undermine the popular confidence of the Gacaca process as well as threaten the independence of judges who would find it difficult to send back detainees to prison who already the state had made a decision to free.
ICTR A marked improvement characterized the ICTR’s quest to apprehend and try perpetrators of the 1994 genocide, although the system has been poisoned by accusations and counter-accusations between the government of Rwanda and the ICTR. ICTR has accused Rwanda of refusing to avail key suspects and witnesses for court trials and proceedings. The Rwandan government in response has lodged several complaints to the UN that the ICTR is inept and incompetent in its work. Furthermore, it believes that the system is highly corrupt. The ICTR has cited the lack of enough judges as a reason why they have been slow in responding to the large number of cases that have accumulated over time. Since its inception the ICTR has handed down nine judgments – eight convictions and one acquittal. The Tribunal however, has sought to correct this by issuing a proposal to the UN Security Council to appoint 18 additional judges to the tribunal as way of ensuring trials are expeditiously disposed of. In August 2002, the Security Council unanimously approved the proposal in the hope that with the increased judicial capacity, the tribunal will be able to complete its work by the year 2007/8. The President of the ICTR has also called for victims of the genocide to receive compensation that will help Rwanda recover from the genocide.
In the meantime, several key figures have been arrested and brought before the tribunal. The former Governor of Kigali, Tharcizze Renzaho, former Mayor Jean Baptiste Gatete and former head of the Rwandan military during the 1994 genocide, General Augustin Bizimungu have all been arraigned and
8 MSF Pres Release: “ Ten Million Euros needed now to prepare for deadly new strain of Meningitis in Africa”, 05.11.2002 32 taken before the ICTR. However, the search and arrest of Felicien Kabuga, reported to be hiding in Kenya, remains elusive. The arrests of some of the suspects can also be attributed to the introduction of the US Rewards Programme, which provides financial incentives to those who provide information leading to the arrest of suspects.
Food Security Agriculture dominates the Rwandan economy with 90% of the population earning their livelihoods directly from the agricultural and related sectors. It accounts for about 45% of the GNP and is the source of 80% of the countries exports. The first growing season in 2002 was characterized by excessive rainfall, starting in March and continued through to mid-May. The northwestern provinces of (Byumba and Butare) and the southwestern province of Cyangugu were the worst affected, although Kigali-Rural also experienced heavy rains. Despite that fact, a joint assessment by MINAGRI, WFP, FAO and FEWS-Net revealed a net increase in the harvest for the January-June season. This is largely due to the fact that that heavy precipitation stopped before the end of the season, but especially due to the improvements in agriculture in Rwanda and the increase in production of bananas, sorghum, manioc and sweet potato in particular over the last two years.
The second growing season of 2002 (September – January 2003) has initially showed the inverse phenomenon – lack of rainfall. By mid-October, certain areas in the central and eastern parts of the country had still not received enough precipitation to allow for planting to begin. By the end of October rains had started to fall over most of the country allowing for planting (which is normally concluded by the end of October) to continue until mid-November. Since precipitation continued longer than usual, the only problem this is likely to create is a delay in harvesting for seed production. However, due to increase in production of the crops mentioned above, the food security situation in the country is judged to be satisfactory.
Because of delays in the Food Security Research Project (FSRP), the full harvest assessment to be undertaken in January 2003 took place very late. Based on the results of the Système d’Information sur la Sécurité Alimentaire (SISA) of the MINAGRI, on the Mercurial (market prices reviews) and data from the meteorological stations, estimations for this season confirm that the time lag in the rainy season was caught up with and that yields will be comparable to those of last year; a decrease by only 8% in season A compared to last year’s harvest is expected. The price of the cassava – considered as a reserve food – has remained stable, which would mean that people did not have to resort to this item to meet their needs. Prices of beans and maize that had risen early in the season came back to normal.
Looking at usual small pockets of food insecurity within the country, the same indicators in the regions of Lumutura and Butare now show no reason for concern though these areas had received initially either too low or too high levels of precipitations. At this stage the responses anticipated, if necessary, would be limited to existing mechanisms such as Food-For Work and School Feeding. No general distribution has been envisioned at this stage9 However, as authorities announce that there will be another net food surplus10 (domestic production plus imports) at the national level, exchanges between districts with excess production and zones showing a deficit are also considered to meet local food needs.
9 Drawn from FAO and FEWS-NET documents, interviews with the Food Security Cell of the EU and meetings of the Disaster Management Task Force in Rwanda 10 The last net national deficit was recorded during Season B of 2001. 33 Economy/Poverty Reduction Despite an unfavourable international environment (global recession, fall in commodity prices, especially for key exports), Rwanda managed to maintain strong economic growth in 2002. The GDP is estimated to grow by 9.9% compared to 7.3% projected in 2002. The major engines of this growth are food crops (+16.6%) and construction (+15%). Electricity value-added grew by 4.5% but imports surged by 22%. Rwanda and Uganda signed an electricity pact in November. The move is seen as an effort to mend sour relations between the two countries. Services grew by 4.5%. Inflation slowly resurged by the end of the year due to the lagged impact of monetary expansion at the beginning of the year. Fiscal developments have remained on track, apart from the exceptional expenditure of 9.8 billion RwF for troop withdrawal from the DRC. Net international foreign exchanges reserves have declined to 5.2 months by the end of the year. Exports and imports have declined respectively by 39% and 15%.
The country’s National Poverty Reduction Programme (NPRP) emphasizes six propriety areas for the coming period: rural development; economic infrastructure, agricultural transformation; human development; governance; and private sector and institutional development. The major objectives of the macro-economic framework of Poverty Reduction Strategy are as follows11: - Growth rate above 6% over the programme period (2002-2004) - Inflation in check (below 3%) supported by tight monetary policy - Increase in domestic mobilization of resources (from 12.2% in 2002 to 12.8% in 2004) - Induced reduction of the overall fiscal deficit (from 9.9% in 2002 to 8% in 2004) - Reduction of the current account deficit (from 17% in 2002 to 13.5% in 2004) - Reduction of the ratio of Net Present Value (NPV) of public debt over exports to a sustainable 150% by 2004.
Growth in 2002 stemmed mostly from two sectors: non-monetarized agriculture and construction. Agriculture growth is due to good weather and does not reflect underlying productivity growth. Growth has not been conducive to broad-based job creation. Domestic industries are gradually seizing new opportunities but they need Government backing to boost the transition process.
11 Source: Rwanda Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning 34 TANZANIA Total Population: 35,120,000
Location Origin Number Total Comments (December 2002) Kigoma Burundi 257,311 Refugees: increase DRC 140,274 Refugees: increase Mixed 2,001 Refugees: increase 399,586 Kagera Burundi 113,550 Refugees: increase DRC 27 Refugees: increase Rwanda 2,717 Refugees: decrease 116,294 Tanga - Mkuyu Somalia/Other 3,493 Refugees: increase 3,493 Total Refugees 519,373
December 2002 Comments
Burundi* 370,861 Rwanda 2,717 DRC 140,301 Mixed 2001 Somali/Other 3,493 Total: 519,373 *The unassisted Burundi refugee population was estimated by the Government of Tanzania to include some 170,000 Burundians in settlements in Tabora and Rukwa, and a further 300,000 living in villages in northwestern Tanzania.
Introduction By the end of 2002, Tanzania remained host to one of the largest refugee populations in Africa. Some 519,373 refugees of Burundi, Congolese, Somali and Rwandan origin were accommodated in camps and assisted by the Government of Tanzania and the humanitarian community. A further 170,000 Burundians are accommodated in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) administered settlements in the Tabora and Rukwa regions, while the Government also estimated that a further 300,000 Burundians had settled amongst the local Tanzanian populations in the villages of north-western Tanzania.
Changing Attitudes to Refugees Over many years, Tanzania has earned a long-deserved reputation as a generous host to the refugees of the Great Lakes and wider region. However, over the past year, a distinct change of attitude has been noticed. The Government of Tanzania has repeatedly expressed a number of concerns about the continued presence of such large numbers of refugees in Tanzania, the negative impact of this presence upon communities close to the established refugee camps in the western region, and the potential threat that it poses to both local and inter-state security. These concerns have been most frequently expressed in relation to the Burundian caseload and have certainly given rise to considerable apprehension among the refugees themselves that they may be actively encouraged to repatriate even while security in some areas of Burundi remains uncertain pending the implementation of an all-inclusive ceasefire. The current Government of Tanzania refugee policy focuses on temporary asylum, precludes any possibility of local integration and, thus, inhibits efforts towards self-reliance. 35
Mission of the Executive Committee on Humanitarian Affairs (ECHA) In the light of the concerns expressed by the Government of Tanzania, the Executive Committee on Humanitarian Affairs agreed to send a Mission to Tanzania. This took place between 24 October – 3 November, and included representatives from UNHCR, UNICEF, UNDP, OCHA, WFP, FAO, WHO and UNFPA. It was co-led by UNHCR and UNICEF. The Mission had two key objectives: to gain a better understanding of the Government of Tanzania’s position on the presence of refugees and its impact on Tanzanian society, and, secondly, to assess the impact of the presence of refugees on surrounding Tanzanian communities and determine how refugee-support programmes might be complemented to reach those communities. The Mission report was formally presented to the Executive Committee in New York on 9 January 2003.
Tanzanian Security Concerns In its conclusions, the Mission noted that key concerns of both the Government and local communities related to security. It was made very clear that the Government regards the presence of the Burundian refugees in particular as a destabilizing factor in their relationship with regional neighbours, and that this is of particular concern in the volatile and conflict-ridden environment of the Great Lakes. There has already been significant tension between Tanzania and Burundi, with allegations being made that the camps provide a base for subversive activities by the Burundi armed rebellion, with, it has been implied, the support of Tanzania. In this context, Tanzania is anxious to see the Burundian refugees repatriate and continues to urge the creation of ‘safe havens’ within Burundi as a temporary solution even while insecurity persists. Key recommendations of the mission included continued dialogue with the Government on the situation, advocacy for international support to regional peace initiatives and the maintenance of humanitarian contingency plans in both Tanzania and Burundi.
Impact of Refugees on Host Communities Local communities also highlighted the impact of refugees on security, particularly through banditry, as one of the most pressing concerns. There is a current Memorandum of Understanding between the Government and UNHCR, through which security support is provided. This includes the deployment of additional police and security officers and the provision of essential equipment. It was recommended that this be continued and further measures to enhance local security be explored. The other key concern expressed by local communities related to the environment and the competition for natural resources, particularly firewood and water. A number of environmental programmes are in place – including tree planting, plantation management, and pump/borehole provision. Indeed, the Mission also highlighted some of the positive benefits to the communities of the presence of refugees, in both this and other – primarily socio-economic – areas. In general, it was recognised that there is a disparity, real and perceived, between the level of care and services available to refugees in the camps and to the local, host populations. Factors in this being the relative ease with which services can be provided to a temporary, camp-based population and long-term, chronic under-development in the regions hosting the refugees. Nevertheless, it was recommended that efforts be made to reduce this disparity through additional inputs to benefit the host communities, in the form of development assistance. It was also argued that assistance to refugee and refugee-affected areas should be addressed in a holistic manner, while bearing in mind the essential differences of methodology in emergency and development assistance. To this end, the ECHA committee endorsed the recommendations of the Mission Report and called on the UN Country team to begin the process of developing a Common Humanitarian Action Plan (CHAP) for western Tanzania. This might, during the course of 2003, be presented in a Consolidated Appeal.
36 Provision of Assistance to Refugees in the Camps: recent issues UNHCR and its implementing partners have been facing a severe financial constraint, which has made it more difficult to sustain adequate protection and assistance activities for refugees. In June, operational budgets were already being reduced and were further cut in November/December. The initial budget projections for 2002 had predicated the potential earlier return of larger numbers of refugees, particularly from the Burundian and Rwandan caseloads. In practice, the relatively slow rate of repatriation, combined with further influxes from Burundi and the DRC, led to a higher average number of refugees during the year requiring assistance. This placed considerable strain on resources, which then had to be stretched to meet the increased needs. In October, UNHCR hosted a donor mission from the governments of USA, Canada, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland and ECHO.
The current WFP PRRO for the Great Lakes Region, which includes the needs for Tanzania, is due to end in January 2003. A new PRRO will come into place in February 2003 to cover needs to January 2006. Only 0.13% of the new PRRO is currently financed and pipeline breaks are already being experienced and are impacting on food provision in the camps. The cereals ration for the Tanzania camps has already been reduced by 28% in order to stretch resources.
Space within existing camps for new arrivals from the DRC was exhausted in Kigoma region in October and, since then, UNHCR has been undertaking empty plot verifications in other camps in order to identify further space. The Government has proved reluctant to identify new site areas near existing camps and the only suggested ‘green field’ site is at some distance and would require considerable infrastructure work before it could be used.
Issues of health, particularly the spread of epidemics, are always of concern for both the camps and for local populations in their proximity. Yearly polio vaccination campaigns are undertaken and malaria control and treatment activities are given priority. Malaria accounts for about 40% of outpatient attendance at health facilities. Of considerable concern, in August, was the outbreak of meningitis in Kibondo. All the refugee camps in the district reported some cases, but Nduta was most affected with 114 cases of suspected meningitis between July and September. Preventative and detection measures helped to bring the epidemic under control, but nine refugees and five locals died of the disease. In September, all refugees in Kibondo (some 15,000) and 98,000 Tanzanians, as well as Burundians repatriating through Ngara, were vaccinated.
Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) has long been recognised as an issue of concern in the confined society of the refugee camps, and a number of preventive and remedial measures have been in place in Tanzania since 1999. Despite this, scarcity of material resources in the camps, and the collection of firewood by women and children, makes both groups vulnerable to both attack and exploitation. In 2002, there have been concerted moves among all humanitarian actors to improve existing systems of identification and reporting on cases, to further coordinate agency response and to develop awareness. There is an established policy of zero tolerance for exploitation of refugees by aid workers.
Refugees from Burundi Despite the repatriation operation, which began at the end of March 2002, the total number of Burundian refugees in Tanzania has not changed significantly during the course of 2002. While the repatriation of some 31,452 refugees (at end December) has been facilitated by UNHCR, approximately 30,000 new arrivals from Burundi were also received. 18,000 of these arrived in October alone following an increase in insecurity in Burundi at that time. This total influx is approximately double that received during the course of 2002.
37
The repatriation operation began in March 2002 following agreements made in a Tripartite Meeting with UNHCR, the Governments of Burundi and Tanzania. The decision to facilitate repatriation recognised the desire of some of the refugee population to return home, as evinced in previous spontaneous repatriation, moves towards peace in Burundi following the establishment of the Transitional Government, and relative calm in some provinces. However, it was agreed to facilitate repatriation only through the Kobero border point and only to the safer, northern and central areas of Burundi.12 UNHCR is unable to facilitate returns to the southern and eastern provinces as long as insecurity persists and refugees are unable to return in safety and dignity. This has remained the position of UNHCR for the entire period of this report, July 2002 – January 2003. Some 21,432 refugees are, however, reported to have arrived in southern areas of Burundi as ‘spontaneous’ returnees.
Refugees from Rwanda During the course of 2002, Tanzania received a small number only of Rwandan refugees– approximately 1,500 as compared with 3,000 in 2001. At the same time, in the first ten months of the year, some 5,000 Rwandans repatriated. During the Executive Committee of the UNHCR’s Programme, in October 2002, the Governments of Rwanda, Tanzania and UNHCR agreed to promote – through an intense information campaign - the voluntary repatriation of the Rwandan refugees remaining in Tanzania. The Government of Tanzania clarified that it expected the repatriation to be completed by 31 December. The repatriation effort was, in fact, completed on 27 December, by which time only a small residual caseload of 100, plus a further 50 in prison remained in Tanzania awaiting individual determination. Discussion of this caseload is expected to take place at the end of January. The total number of Rwandan refugees to repatriate during 2002 was 23,474, of whom almost 19,000 returned home in November/December. Since the completion of the operation, it has been reported that some 3,000 refugees, who had previously hidden to avoid the possibility of forced repatriation, have since come forward and requested assistance to return home. The number of such refugees may rise. UNHCR has reported that, while there was a strictly presented deadline for the operation, the repatriation was voluntary, with the primary factors being the increased information on improved conditions in Rwanda, an enhanced repatriation package, and the momentum of the movement itself. Other humanitarian agencies have also concurred that the refugees returned home willingly. The US Committee for Refugees13 has, however, expressed some concerns about the operation, related to the sudden announcement of the deadline and the short period allotted for the return movement, the lack of simultaneous procedures to screen those unwilling to repatriate and the need to establish how the residual caseload, and any future arrivals from Rwanda, will be treated and screened. It should also be noted that the Ugandan Government has reported the arrival of some Rwandan refugees from Tanzania.
Refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo Fighting in Eastern Congo, which intensified once again in the second half of the year despite a series of Agreements following the Inter-Congolese Dialogue March session in Sun City, has led to further Congolese refugees seeking asylum in Tanzania. During 2002, approximately 17,000 refugees arrived from the DRC. As insecurity continues in their places of origin, many of which are under rebel control or driven with ethnic tension, an early repatriation of these refugees is unlikely. As mentioned above, space for the new arrivals in existing camps is extremely limited.
12 Muyinga, Kirundo, Ngozi, Karuzi, Kayanza, Gitega, Muramvya and Bujumbura Mairie. 13 Repatriation of Rwandan Refugees Living in Tanzania, US Committee of Refugees (Washington DC), 14 January 2003. 38 Refugees from Somalia At new site for the local settlement programme for Somali refugees was completed by the end of 2002. The site, at Chogo in Handeni District, includes a dispensary, primary school, residential houses, a community centre, police post, staff housing and administration block. Somali refugees will start to move to the site in early 2003.
Tanzanian Refugees/Asylum-Seekers At the beginning of the year, there remained some Tanzanian refugees, who had fled the island of Pemba (Zanzibar) following political violence in 2001, in Botswana (29), Somalia (around 200) and Pakistan (around 200). In May 2002, 13 Tanzanians retuned from Botswana, and a further 12 from Mogadishu in July.
39 UGANDA Total Population: 22,167,195 IDPs Number Comment Bundibugyo ** Previous IDPs in the process of Settlement Gulu 395,000 Estimated Population in 33 Camps
Katakwi 77,000 District Officials indicate higher figure, 117,000. This is yet to be confirmed Kitgum 99,228 Estimated Population in 7 Camps
Pader 271, 000 Estimated Population in 20 camps.
Lira 47,333 Total IDPs: 889,561
REFUGEES Breakdown by Settlement, Nationality & Gender
Settlement District Nationality Male Female Total Adjumani Sudanese 31,142 29,516 60,658 Palorinya Moyo Sudanese 14,614 13,626 28,240 Imvepi Arua Sudanese 7,834 6,498 14,332 Congolese 87 84 171 " " Sierra-Leonian 1 - 1 Rhino Camp Arua Sudanese 13,173 12,154 25,327 " " Congolese 61 46 107 " " Kenyan 10 6 16 " " Nigerian 1 1 2 Kiryandongo Masindi Sudanese 6,950 6,891 13,841 Kiryandongo Masindi Sudanese 7,378 8,074 (Refugees displaced from 15,452 Achol-pii) Kyangwali Hoima Congolese 2,967 2,777 5,744 " " Sudanese 5,335 5,006 10,341 " " Rwandans 74 33 107 " " Kenyan 14 6 20 " " Burundian 7 3 10 " " Somali 2 - 2 Nakivale Mbarara Rwandans 6,504 5,799 12,303 " " Congolese 593 615 1,208 " " Somali 419 418 837
40 " " Kenyan 54 29 83 " " Ethiopian 33 16 49 " " Sudanese 25 31 56 " " Burundian 131 103 234 Oruchinga Mbarara Rwandan 2,345 2,257 4,602 Kyaka II* Kabarole Congolese 605 637 1,242 Rwandans 952 953 1,905 Kenyans 10 2 12 (Urban) Kampala Somali, 84 96 180 Ethiopian, etc. Refugees Total 101,405 95,677 197,082 Note: Affected population figures are of variable accuracy due to the rapidly changing situation as well as the varying quality of information sources and the difficulty of access. Inclusion in this list does not necessarily indicate that this population is receiving humanitarian assistance. IDP camp populations reflect the populations receiving assistance by WFP, but not unassisted population figures. No comprehensive registration of IDPs in the north has been possible since June 2002. Refugee figures are as at the end of December 2002. SUMMARY OF REFUGEE POPULATION BY NATIONALITY Rwanda 18,917 Democratic Republic of Congo 8,472 Sudan 168,247 Somalia 839 Kenya 131 Ethiopia 49 Burundi 244 Sierra Leone 1 Nigerian 2 Other (Urban) 180 Total: 197,082 TOTAL AFFECTED POPULATION 1,086,643
OTHER VULNERABLE GROUPS Drought Affected Assessment ongoing of number in Karamoja Abducted Children 11,110 Total: 11,110
Introduction The period under review in Uganda has been dominated by the security situation in the north and the humanitarian consequences of this for the displaced and otherwise affected populations. The statistics shown above reflect the considerable rise in displacement over this period, from 660,373 in July to 889,561 at the end of the year. Full assessment has not been possible due to the security situation, and even these figures are though to be an underestimate. At the same time, Uganda continues to receive refugees from other countries in the GLR and the Horn of Africa, and the total caseload has risen to 197,082 (December) from 188,032 (July). The majority of these new arrivals being from Rwanda who have been trickling in gradually throughout the year. During the period, Uganda’s relations with its neighbours, particularly Rwanda and Sudan, have remained somewhat fairly stable, while agreement has been reached with the DRC Government on eventual full withdrawal from its territory.
41 Political Situation Within Uganda, considerable political tension remains apparent. There was an initial and ongoing protest at the passing of the Political Parties and Organizations Bill 2002 in May 2002. This requires all political organisations to formally register (by 6 January 2003) in order to be legal, and restricts the opening of offices outside Kampala as well as prohibiting public meetings. There is concern that this Bill significantly restricts political freedom and the potential for opposition. Currently the Constitutional Court has suspended the registration of political parties while the Attorney General (AG) is appealing against this ruling. At the same time, Reform Agenda members have accused the government of ‘witchhunting’ their exiled head, former presidential candidate Colonel Kizza Besigye, and other members of the organisation. This follows the arrest and detention of Reform Agenda members in the north in October, on which occasion one of those arrested is reported to have died on the way to detention. The Government has also claimed to have clear evidence linking Col. Besigye with LRA rebels in the north. The Government has also proved sensitive over media reporting of the conflict with the LRA. The Monitor, an independent daily newspaper, had its operations suspended for a period following Government accusations that it had published misleading reports on the UPDF campaign. Representatives of the international community and human rights groups expressed their concern at possible restrictions of press freedom.
War against LRA rebels in the North In March 2002, the UPDF launched a military offensive against the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) rebels in Northern Uganda and, with the agreement of the Sudanese Government, in Southern Sudan. It was hoped that Operation Iron Fist would finally end the LRA threat and lead to the capture of rebel leaders, the release of abducted children and enable hundreds of thousands of displaced to return to their homes. Despite initial optimism for a short and successful campaign, by July 2002 the UPDF had yet to achieve significant results. LRA rebels were increasingly active in northern Uganda, leading to a sharp deterioration in the security situation, there had been a marked increase in the numbers of displaced and humanitarian access and distribution had been severely curtailed by rebel activity on key transport axes. As 2002 drew to a close and rebel activity continued in the north, President Museveni remained confident of military victory against the LRA, claiming ‘The situation of our protracted battle with these criminals is entering a decisive and excellent phase. I am sure of good results.’ In previous statements, the defeat of the LRA had been predicted by December 2002 and February 2003 respectively. To this end, a military solution to the threat has been pursued with considerable vigour and overseen personally by the President himself from Gulu. Additional UPDF troops have been deployed in the north – some of whom were transferred directly from the DRC. Operations have continued within southern Sudan and have intensified within Uganda itself. The UDPF appears currently to be using its increased force to break down the LRA into smaller groups and to prevent them creating a consolidated force. An increase in the defence budget has been proposed in order to further expand the army in order to address the threat of the LRA. The sixteen years of conflict in the north is already estimated to have cost the Ugandan economy some USUS$1.33 billion.
Peace initiatives in the North Concern has been expressed that the continuation, and intensification, of the military campaign against the LRA has precluded attempts to reach a negotiated settlement to the conflict. In late September, the respected Acholi Religious Leaders’ Peace Initiative (ARLPI) indicated that it had received instruction from the President to cease contact with rebels as the LRA had threatened the lives of mediators. These threats were, indeed, repeated by Kony in a radio broadcast in December 2002. Despite this, community leaders, religious groups and MPs from the North continued to call for talks between the Government and the rebels. In early November, in what was seen as a very positive move, President Museveni appointed a six-member team, headed by the first Deputy Prime Minister, Eriya
42 Kategeya and answerable directly to the President, for peace talks with the rebels. A number of preconditions were, however, outlined, including the agreement of a ceasefire, an end to the killing and kidnapping of civilians and the confinement of the entire LRA forces in three sites in south Sudan. At the same time, Kony and other LRA leaders expressed some willingness to talk, although rejecting the regroupement of the LRA forces in Sudan. In a call to the Mega-FM radio station in Gulu on 28 December, Kony once again claimed that he wanted ‘genuine peace talks with the Government’ – and directly with Museveni himself - and denied accusations of LRA atrocities, although not attacks on the roads or abductions. The atrocities themselves were blamed on the UPDF wishing to tarnish the image of the LRA. On 11 January, Kony telephoned a Gulu MP, Norbert Mao, to invite Acholi political leaders to visit him in the bush. The invitation has been accepted although the timing and place have yet to be confirmed. Despite this, it remains uncertain whether Kony and the LRA will indeed negotiate, or nominate bona fide representatives to do so. Furthermore, it is unclear whether the LRA has any political agenda beyond its professed support for Acholiland, which has, to date, been little evident in its attacks against Acholi civilians. With these caveats and the continued emphasis of the Government on the military offensive in mind, it seems unlikely that moves towards a negotiated peace will bear early fruit.
Humanitarian Situation in the North As the conflict continues, the humanitarian situation for the populations of the north, most especially the districts of Gulu, Kitgum, Pader and Lira, has steadily worsened. LRA rebels have killed, maimed and raped civilians. Settlements, IDP and refugee camps have been attacked and burnt and road ambushes have virtually closed main transport routes. The level of insecurity has both caused and maintained displacement, destroying the fragile hopes of the population in early 2002 that a return to their homes might be possible. Economic activity in the north has been brought almost to a standstill, while access of farmers and households to their fields – and thus to the means of growing their own food – has either been limited or made impossible. Long-cycle crop harvests have either been abandoned or looted, and planting of short-cycle crops has not taken place. Prior to the current emergency, the IDP population had been 30% dependant on humanitarian assistance–supplying other needs through their own efforts. The same population is now almost 100% dependent on assistance and its reserves are exhausted.
On 4 October, the UPDF ordered civilians in certain parts of northern Uganda to return to government- protected camps within 48 hours, before the start of aerial bombardment from helicopter gunships of suspected LRA positions. This order was strongly criticised by human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, who protested that it contravenes the Geneva Conventions as the camps provide neither security nor protection for the populations concerned, nor for their basic needs. Whether or not it is attributable to the UPDF’s intense campaign, the security situation in Gulu and Lira appeared to have improved slightly by the end of the year, although significant numbers of ‘nightstayers’ – persons moving into centres during the night for additional security – were still found in the towns and there was concern that security near Gulu might be deteriorating once again. The situation in Pader was, however, felt to be most serious, with over 271,000 internally displaced (80% 0f the District’s population) confined in 20 over-crowded camps with limited access to even the most basic of services. Officials in the district have reported a total number of 363 killed, 3,927 individuals abducted and, in November/December alone, some 10,462 huts were burnt down. Human rights abuses, not only in Pader but throughout the north, have been widespread and the humanitarian community has initiated a ‘national human rights working group’ to monitor, independently verify and report on human rights observance.
Humanitarian Access to the North Even as the humanitarian needs have grown, insecurity has meant that access to the most affected areas has been drastically curtailed – either to gather information and assess the situation, or to actually
43 deliver assistance. A number of humanitarian organisations have had to scale down activities in the region as staff and operations have been targeted by the rebels. On 5 August, 5 national staff members of IRC were taken hostage during an attack on Acholi Pii refugee settlement, although they were later released unharmed after some days. At the same time, the LRA issued an ultimatum for the UN and Aid agencies, who were accused of supporting Operation Iron Fist, to pull out of both northern Uganda and Southern Sudan by 14 August. Although no concerted action against Agencies by the LRA appears to have been taken since this ultimatum, humanitarian compounds and vehicles have been looted and, on 14 September, the LRA ambushed an eight-truck WFP convoy transporting food aid to Kitgum under UPDF escort. One driver was killed during the ambush. As a result of this incident and continuing problems on the routes, WFP was forced to suspend its activities in Kitgum and Pader districts for some six weeks. A further, brief, suspension was effected after trucks on contract to WFP were informally requisitioned for some days by a local UPDF commander. Throughout the region, convoys have to travel under heavy military escort from the UPDF, yet even this cannot guarantee timely or secure delivery. In November, for example, WFP food spent ten days on trucks in Lira waiting security clearance and the availability of escorts to travel to Kitgum. Costly airlifting has also been necessary to parts of Pader while routes remain impassable. Despite these constraints, over the six months period WFP has provided 14,000 MTs of mixed commodities to 239,500 IDPs in Gulu, 100,000 in Kitgum, 204,780 in Pader and 47,000 in Lira.
Abducted adults and children One of the initial aims of the Operation had been the release of thousands of children and adults abducted by the LRA. Although some captives are reported to have been released – by November 2002, the army Public Relations Officer was reporting some 923 since the start of the Operation in March – considerable numbers of civilians, both adults and children, continue to be taken from their homes in the on-going attacks. Even for those adults and children released, and able to benefit from counselling and reintegration programmes established for them, return to their homes and families is often considerably delayed by the on-going security situation. Insecurity in their home areas may also affect the return to Uganda and reintegration of a number of LRA ex-combatants, many children, from Kenya. Initially it was believed that some 2,000 persons might be present in Kenya. However, a registration will be undertaken by IOM in January 2003 to ascertain actual numbers, family details and place of origin in order that repatriation can be facilitated.
Uganda/Sudan Relations The continuation of Operation Iron Fist has had implications for the relationship between Uganda and Sudan. Initial rapprochement between the two countries, the apparent end of the ‘proxy war’ and the restoration of diplomatic relations had made the MOU for Uganda’s operations in south Sudan against the LRA possible. By September, however, there seemed to be tension between the two countries once more. There was considerable delay in the renewal of the MOU, which had expired on 14 September, and, although an incident in which UPDF troops in Plataka, southern Sudan, were bombed by Sudanese forces was downplayed as ‘accidental’, some accusations were bandied over support to each country’s respective rebels. Following considerable diplomatic activity, the protocol was finally extended in early December, for, it is believed, a further two months to allow the completion of the Operation. In addition, it was agreed that a joint military force should be deployed on the common border between Uganda and Sudan.
Refugees from Sudan 168,247 refugees from Sudan, hosted in Uganda, have also suffered as a result of the on-going conflict. On 5 August an LRA attack on Acholi-Pii camp caused the displacement of some 24,000 Sudanese, while attacks on Maaji Camp, on 9 September and 7 October also resulted in further displacement of refugees and the destruction of their huts. Subsequent to the attack on Acholi-Pii, the camp was officially closed
44 and arrangements made to relocate the refugees. Initially, the entire caseload was held temporarily at Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement (Masindi District), but by September 8,856 refugees were transferred to Kyangwali refugee settlement in Hoima. The remaining 15,000 refugees have yet to be transferred to Ikafe in Yumbe district and Madi Okolo in Arua District, and some concern has been expressed about the proximity of these camps to the Sudanese border and to current areas of insecurity. According to UNHCR, there has not been a significant increase in the number of incoming refugees.
Refugees from Rwanda A number of refugees from Rwanda continue to seek asylum in Uganda. By July 2002, some 17,211 Rwandan refugees were already present in Uganda and new arrivals, apparently moving from camps in Tanzania, had been recorded since March. This movement has continued and, indeed, increased in September/October following a Government of Tanzania statement that all Rwandan refugees should repatriate by 31 December. It is believed that further Rwandan refugees may have moved to Uganda during December as the repatriation from Tanzania was underway. There has been some concern that receipt of these refugees might exacerbate the recurrent political tension between Uganda and Rwanda and, on 19 December, the Ugandan Minister for Disaster Preparedness and Refugees indicated that they would not formally accept the refugees as Uganda would represent a ‘third country’ and they should already have asylum protection in Tanzania. This pronouncement followed a meeting of the Rwanda- Uganda Joint Permanent Commission in November 2002 in which it was agreed to establish a Tripartite Commission (Governments of Rwanda and Uganda, with UNHCR) to discuss and operationalise modalities for encouraging and promoting the voluntary repatriation of Rwandan refugees in Uganda. By early January 2003, there were a total of 18, 917 Rwandan refuges registered in Uganda.
Uganda/Rwanda Relations The meeting of the Joint Permanent Commission was only one of a series of meetings, which have been undertaken in order to address issues of contention between the two States. These have included a meeting between political representatives of the Movement (NRM) in Uganda and the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) in August, a subsequent mediation meeting of the two Presidents in London in October, under the auspices of British Overseas Development Minister Clare Short, and a follow-up meeting in Uganda between NRM and RPF delegations. In the latter, it was resolved that cross-border meetings, designed to promote harmony between the populations living at common birder, should resume and a work plan should be defined for the implementation of the Kigali Memorandum of Understanding that had been agreed between the two countries in August. Much of the tension between the two countries has focused on alleged support to the rebel groups and dissidents of the other. In August, for example, Uganda allegedly accused Rwanda of training LRA rebels to fight against the Ugandan Government as well as support to exiled dissidents. Similarly, Rwanda has accused Uganda of supporting its own exiled dissidents. It is hoped that the conclusions of the Joint Commission, which also include proposals for closer economic cooperation, and the possibility of resettlement to Europe or the USA of some named dissidents may contribute to easing tensions.
Uganda’s Presence in the DRC The involvement of both countries in the DRC, whether they are openly present or by ‘proxy’ through their support to armed factions and groups, remains a very real threat to their relations, particularly as the withdrawal of foreign forces has begun and the control of mineral rich or strategic locations is contested in the ensuing vacuum. Ugandan forces have remained present in the DRC throughout the period under review. In early August, the DRC Government asked the UN Security Council to hold Uganda responsible for clashes between Hema militias, supported by the UPDF, and factions of the RCD-K-ML, which was reportedly supporting the Lendu ethnic community. Uganda was accused of having orchestrated
45 ethnic conflicts so as to seize control of the region’s natural resources and, in particular to secure its gold and coltan mines.14 At the time, the Ugandan Defence Minister responded that the army had intervened to prevent worse bloodshed between the factions. The Luanda agreement, signed on 6 September between the Governments of DRC and Uganda, agreed the withdrawal of Ugandan troops from the DRC (Beni and Gbadolite), which was effected relatively quickly, and a normalisation of relations between the two countries. It allowed, however, for continued UPDF deployment in Bunia pending the creation of a joint commission to develop mechanisms for restoring peace to Ituri – the Ituri Pacification Committee - and the deployment of an appropriate security force. The continued Ugandan presence was agreed by the United Nations. A battalion of Ugandan troops remained present in Bunia at the end of December, with some soldiers also deployed in the Rwenzori border area, but Uganda has apparently called for a protection force from a neutral country to be deployed to enforce security in order to allow full withdrawal to take place.
Refugees from DRC The ethnic violence between the Hema and Lendu in Ituri, DRC, has led to steady influx of refugees to Uganda during the period. It has, however, proved difficult to verify the actual number of new arrivals as many of these have sought refuge with families from a similar tribal background in the Alur community. The most recent assessment in Nebbi district indicates the presence of some 5-6000 arrivals, with the largest group – of 2,000 – camped in Pahida while the rest are spread through the district and especially along Lake Albert. UNHCR is only able to give assistance to those refugees who move to Government- designated refugee camps and is ready to truck any refugees to settlements in Arua or Kyangwali. A total of 8,472 refugees from DRC are registered in Uganda.
Improved situation in Southwest Despite the conflict over the border and refugee influx into the area, southwest Uganda continues to be calm, although there have been some few reports of renewed ADF activity and recruitment in the area and local authorities are monitoring the situation closely. IDPs in Kasese and Kabarole, who had been displaced for many years by ADF activity, have now either integrated into the community or returned to their places of origin. In Bundibugyo, the process of return has also begun and humanitarian agencies are now focussing on recovery programmes, including the provision of resettlement food packages, agricultural inputs, school feeding programmes, Food for Assets and other social support programmes. By the end of October, only a handful of IDPs remained in camps, apparently choosing to settle near established trading centres.
Peace deal with the Uganda National Rescue Front (UNRF II) In one positive development for Uganda, after protracted negotiations and an initial ceasefire signed in June 2002, a peace deal has finally been reached between the Ugandan Government and UNRF II, a small rebel group primarily composed of former soldiers of ex-President Idi Amin. At the end of December it was agreed that, of the 2,000 soldiers in UNRF II, approximately 700 who have already returned from their bases in southern Sudan will be integrated into the Ugandan army. The remainder will receive agricultural tools as part of the resettlement and reintegration programme under the presidential amnesty.
14 The final report of the UN Panel of Experts on the illegal exploitation of natural resources and other forms of wealth in the DRC issued its final report on 21 October. This includes details of the role of Uganda in the DRC.
46 Kotido and Karamoja The situation has been less encouraging in the north/east. By September, it was apparent that Karamoja was facing a massive crop failure (up to 90%) due to sparse rains followed by a long dry spell, placing half a million people at risk of serious food insecurity. By November, it was clear that the harvest in Kotido, Moroto and parts of Karamoja was well below normal, hunger was becoming more common and limited food stocks were being supplemented with wild food. The Ugandan government had already urged the international community support its efforts to supply relief food to the region. The results of an assessment to determine the number of drought-affected are awaited. Rainfall and drought patterns, which directly impact on food security and harvest, also affect pasture and water resources for grazing. The scarcity of such resources has long been a factor in inter-tribal conflict, both within the Karamoja region and cross-border with Kenya. Some violent inter-clan and cross border raids have already been reported, despite considerable Government efforts to reduce the availability of small-arms in the area, and there is concern that these may increase as the situation worsens.
At the same time, the northeast has been also affected by the conflict with the LRA. A small number of direct attacks have been reported in the area and IDPs have arrived from both Pader and Kitgum. There is some resentment towards the IDPs, particularly the displaced children who have found shelter in the school structures. Some Karamojong parents have started to withdraw their children from such schools because of the over-crowding and lack of food and water. The situation has yet to be fully addressed by the Government and humanitarian community.
Consolidated Appeal for Uganda The CAP for Uganda, launched in November 2002, focuses upon the critical emergency brought about by the renewed and violent attacks of the LRA in the north. It recognises, however, that the humanitarian community can also work in calmer areas, southwestern Uganda and West Nile region, to implement recovery and rehabilitation programmes in areas where IDPs have returned to their places of origin. The Appeal is for USUS$88,538,479. Donors have responded to the tune of US$4,001,404.
47 GLR REFUGEES IN NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES♣
Origin of Refugees Location Rwanda DRC ROC TOTAL CAR N/A 10,225 N/A 10,225
Angola N/A 12,250 N/A 12,250
Gabon N/A N/A 12,582 12,582
Zambia 5,048 56,132 N/A 61,180
Total 5,048 78,607 12,582 96,237
♣ Figures as of December 2002 provided by UNHCR
48